Review: 2016 Volkswagen Vento - More for Less

Buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to B-segment sedans. Each option has various strong points and draw backs, but one of the more innocuous choices to make it to our market is the Vento (formerly known as the Polo Sedan). It is a pillar of simplicity and minimalism among cars that are becoming more outlandish and aggressive in terms of design, and yet it comes with some rather sophisticated powertrain options. In true German fashion, the engineering is tucked away beneath- more to be experienced than to be seen. With the rebranding of the Polo Sedan comes the opportunity for Volkswagen to offer more in their product, and this top-spec Vento is the perfect example of this.
Specifications:
Price: RM 93,888
Engine: 1.2-litre, Inline-4 transverse, Turbocharged
Power: 105 PS
Torque: 175 Nm @ 1,500 rpm – 4,100 rpm
Transmission: Dual clutch, 7 speed, FWD
Fuel Consumption: 10.2 litres per 100 km as tested
Safety: ESC, ABS with BA, ICRS, four airbags
Overview:
As a B-segment car, the Vento faces some stiff competition- but it has plenty of merits of its own as you will find out later on in this review. It isn’t a conventional choice, and one can’t deny that Volkswagen’s brand image has suffered over the past few years as they’ve been plagued by DSG issues and the (entirely irrelevant here) ‘Dieselgate’ scandal. And yet despite this, they’ve soldiered on- the Vento offers the 1.2-litre TSI engine in a sedan form, and that’s a good thing. It comes at a time when there are no other turbocharged B-segment sedan, giving it the edge that it will hold until Toyota and Honda bring their turbocharged engines to widespread use at the entry level.
The Vento boasts German quality and engineering, despite being a product designed for Russia and India, and this can be felt in numerous aspects of the car. From the solid thump of the doors shutting, to the feedback through the steering and pedals, and even to the overall fit-and-finish of the car; it’s hard to say that none of this is appealing on some basic level.
Exterior Design:
When you pit the Vento against its contemporary rivals, it looks rather plain- but it’s the kind of plain that feels almost traditional at this point in time. Other cars have begun to adopt long, sweeping coupe-like rooflines and all manner of styling along the side of the body to provide a little more character- but the Vento doesn’t have any of this. It is a classic 3-box shape, with a defined bonnet and flat boot, and a sleek side moulding which adds to the minimalist look.
With the introduction of the Vento name, Volkswagen made some minor changes to the front and rear bumpers- but these are minor and don’t take away from the simplistic styling.
Interior Design:
The minimalism continues to the inside, but this doesn’t have as much value as a minimalistic exterior. Our culture dictates that we always look for more product for the money, and in terms of visual, tangible features, the Vento is sorely lacking. It has an adequate head unit and entertainment system, but it is nowhere near the touch screen, large LCD displays of the Japanese offerings.
Minor changes from the Polo Sedan include a new steering wheel, but this is perhaps the only immediately obvious difference. Even in this Highline variant, owners are stuck with fabric seats instead of a leather option. The extra chrome pieces on the interior are a marginal help, but overall the Vento needs a bit more in the interior design in terms of complexity.
How efficient is it?
We managed to achieve a solid 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres when limited to largely city driving, which isn't the most economical figure for a small engine - but as it's known, stop start driving is the ultimate killer for a good fuel consumption figure. Given our previous experiences with the car, it is capable of travelling long distance without burning out the fuel tank- although with such a peppy engine it may be difficult to exercise restraint when presented with some open roads.
How does it drive?
With the 1.2-litre TSI motor powering this sedan body for the first time, it’s certainly an interesting experience having a wealth of torque on demand, and such a quick shifting gearbox to match. It does make the Vento feel a bit more upmarket than the simple 1.6 MPI engine that was the sole powertrain option for the Polo Sedan, and from a real world perspective it allows for easier driving both in the city and out on the highway.
The Vento, by and far, has been one of the best handling cars in its segment. It was the only car in class that could pull off an avoidance exercise without losing control, despite its lack of electronic stability programming. With the facelift, Volkswagen has added ESC to the Highline Vento- and it works every bit as effectively as you would find in other Volkswagen products.
But even beyond this, the Vento is a nugget of joy in a group of cars that has “driving pleasure” pretty low on the list of development priorities. Perhaps the only car that could be as dynamic and enjoyable on a set of twisty tarmac would be the Mazda 2- but the Mazda 2 is the rare exception. If you favour a little bit of excitement in your day-to-day driving, the Vento is a solid choice.
How comfortable is it?
As expected of a European car, the Vento has a relatively supple ride that doesn’t disappoint. The extra heft of it helps a little with keeping the tyres on the ground over harsher tarmac, but overall it is the careful tuning of damper and solid spring rate choices that result in this appreciable ride. The suspension design and geometry of the Vento is nothing particularly special, but compared to the Polo there is a little more ballast at the rear with the tail- which definitely helps with damping out longitudinal undulations.
Wind noise, however, seems to be a little bit of an issue. Whether it’s a choice of insulation material or an inherent flaw, the Vento seems to suffer from high cabin noise when cruising at less-than-legal speeds. It isn’t outright deafening, but it feels a little incongruous when you consider that the rest of the car seems to be engineered adequately and perfectly put together.
Conclusion
The Vento may be the most bare-bones car among Volkswagen's product range in Malaysia, but it still possesses many of the traits that make Volkswagens such appealing products. The solid build quality, a peppy engine up front, and driving dynamics that remind you that the Japanese still have a little bit to learn in this particular area. If your concern lies with the reliability of the 7-speed dry clutch DSG, then you can of course opt for the lower spec models that still come with the 1.6-litre MPI engine; this powertrain is by no means a let down, although it won't be nearly as spritely as the 1.2 TSI.


Geely Releases More FY11 Details: 235 hp, 350 Nm, 2019 Debut

Earlier this month, Geely dropped several teaser photos of its first-ever coupe SUV model, codenamed FY11.
According to Geely, the FY11 will be launched later in 2019 and will be the company’s first model to ride on the CMA platform that was co-developed with Volvo. The CMA platform also underpins the Volvo XC40 and all Lynk & Co models.
As mentioned in our
previous post
, the FY11 draws its inspiration from the BMW X6, featuring a sloping roofline for that sporty fastback design. Geely further cemented that fact by stating that the FY11 will have ‘true sporting credentials’.
This time around, Geely mentioned that the FY11 will be equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from Volvo’s Drive-E family of engines. For the FY11, the engine outputs 235 hp and 350 Nm, with power sent to either the front- or all four wheels.
Similar to its stablemates, the FY11 features the signature ‘expanding cosmos’ front grille, flanked by a pair of headlights with newly-designed LED daytime running lights. A short video released by Geely also showcased the FY11's adaptive LED headlights and sequential LED turn signals at the rear.
In addition to that, the FY11 will bear Geely’s unique all-black logo which symbolizes Geely’s unique range of vehicles, such as sportier models.
Last but not least, photos released by Autohome gave us a list of possible names that Geely could use on the FY11 - 锋越 (Fengyue), 皓越 (Yuyue), 朗越 (Longyue), 智越 (Zhiyue), 歌越 (Geyue), 劲越 (Jinyue), and 星越 (Xingyue).


BMW M Is Going Electric With The i4 M

What does this mean for the future of BMW's motorsports or M division?

For the longest time, BMW M has been known to produce some of the most potent sports sedans and coupes that the market has ever seen. The performance arm of
BMW
 is still very much a strong presence in the motorsport community at both the GT4 and GT3 level, and from these programs have come the expertise and understanding to make great road-going products.

But the next step for
BMW M
 may involve going a little off the beaten path, and that's going to be with the
i4 electric sedan
 that's slated for launch at the end of 2021. This is especially interesting as up until now, BMW M has never developed a single variant of the i3 or i3s, and the i4 will be the first hot take that's all-electric.

Despite this, and perhaps because battery and motor technology hasn't quite been fully fleshed out yet, BMW is more likely to make the
i4 M
 a half-measure version like the M140i or the M550xD. There will be some tweaks to the chassis and the tuning, but overall it won't be like a night-and-day difference between say a regular 4 Series and the M4.

That being said, one needs to walk before they can run. BMW M may be testing the waters, and with enough support and popularity, they may push into developing more serious electric performance models - perhaps even taking the fight to Porsche and Tesla if they feel confident enough.

This doesn't mean that the i4 is anything to slouch at. Expected figures are 523 bhp, a century sprint time of roughly 4 seconds, and a limited top speed of 255 km/h - all with a range of around 600 km. There's definitely plenty of potential for BMW M to exploit here - perhaps with an emphasis on weight reduction.

Are you ready for a BMW M electric sedan?


Tokyo 2015: Honda Unveils The Clarity Fuel Cell, Its New Benchmark Hydrogen FCV

We knew this one was coming. After all,
Honda
 is one of the original proponents of the hydrogen-powered car – one that converts stored and pressurized hydrogen into electricity used to propel a car.
Much like its previous effort in this space, the FCX Clarity from 2008, the Clarity Fuel Cell endeavors to merge the values of gasoline-powered vehicles (most notably, the short refuel time) with the values of electrically powered drivetrains (zero pollution, fewer moving parts).
Honda says this new sedan-type FCV (fuel cell vehicle) has the potential to set a new benchmark for these types of vehicles, now and in the future. Indeed, the fuel cell stacks in this new Clarity has been downsized 33 percent yet is able to achieve an output of more than 100kW. Honda says it produces 130kW (174hp).
This compactness of powertrain packaging allows a cabin layout that seats five adults. And with a 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, the Clarity Fuel Cell can deliver a claimed cruising range of more than 700kmm; needing just three minutes to refuel from empty.
The Clarity Fuel Cell is also able to generate usable energy in addition to consuming. When parked, the car can be used together with the Power Exporter 9000, a device that enables it to function as a “power plant on wheels” that can feed a home with electricity or even to a community in times of disaster or emergency.
For now, the Clarity Fuel Cell will be available as a lease-only vehicle. Honda will begin making them available from March 2016, with proper sales to start at an as-yet unspecified later stage.
Stay tuned for more detailed coverage on the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell coming soon, including our own driving impressions.


Buyer’s Guide: Nissan Grand Livina - The Old Faithful

When it comes to affordable compact seven-seaters, the Nissan Grand Livina has been a firm favourite amongst Malaysians. Even though it was first introduced in 2007 and has since been given two facelifts, a minor one in 2011 and a huge revamp in 2013, the Grand Livina has remained largely unchanged for the past nine years. But with nine-years of automotive progress passing it by since its introduction, does the Grand Livina has anything to offer for today’s car buyers.
Nissan Grand Livina 1.6L Specifications
Price (OTR incl. GST without insurance): RM83,975 (M/T), RM87,024 (A/T)
Engine: 1,598cc 4-cylinder, petrol
Power: 105hp @ 5,200rpm
Torque: 150Nm @ 4,400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual (M/T), 4-speed automatic (A/T), front-wheel drive
Safety Features: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
Origin: Locally-Assembled at Serendah, Selangor
Nissan Grand Livina 1.8L Specifications
Price (OTR incl. GST without insurance): RM96,574
Engine: 1,798cc 4-cylinder, petrol
Power: 126hp @ 5,200rpm
Torque: 174Nm @ 4,800rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic (A/T), front-wheel drive
Safety Features: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
Origin: Locally-Assembled at Serendah, Selangor
Exterior
Though the Grand Livina had undergone two facelifts since its first introduction, its compact body shape, which resembles an elongated hatchback rather than the traditional upright box on wheels, has been left relatively untouched. Look beyond the 2011 and 2013 changes, and the profile has barely moved an inch.
In 2011, the facelift work done on the Grand Livina only amounted to a sleek new front grille and the fitment of new wing mirror mounted LED side indicators.
It was only with the 2013 facelift where notable changes were done on its exterior. The straight grille was swapped out for a more prominent ‘V’ shaped design motif, and its lighting clusters were replaced with more shapely headlights and bigger horizontally arranged taillights.
Interior
Like its exterior, very few changes were done to its interior over the course of its time on the market either. Even with the 2013 facelift model, the Grand Livina managed to retain the same dashboard design and layout. The only changes in the cabin is the fitment of a more sophisticated instrument cluster with a digital information display, a new multi-function steering wheel that is integrated with the information display and audio system, and larger headrests on the third row of seats.
While the Grand Livina was first offered with a beige interior when it was launched in 2007, Nissan decided to change its cabin trim with darker colour options of either black fabric or brown leather trim in the 2011 update. According to Nissan the choice of picking a darker colour palette was that these colours were less prone to being stained over time. That change however was reverted with the 2013 facelift, with beige fabric trim being offered as standard.
Mind you that while the Grand Livina does seat seven, it really isn't an MPV you would want to take six of your nearest and dearest on a long vacation. Luggage space with the third row of seats up is rather limited as there is only enough depth to fit a small suitcase, or backpack. Folding down the third row is made easy with a one touch mechanism, though the head rests would have to be removed in order for it be folded flat.
How Does it Drive?
When the Grand Livina first arrived on the scene, its low ride height and use of front independent MacPherson strut suspension and a rear torsion beam setup gave it car-like ride and handling qualities. Considering that its direct competitor of the day was the rough and rudimentary Toyota Avanza, Nissan’s entrant offered a superior comfort and handling. Little wonder why it became a hit amongst compact MPV buyers who were looking to upsize from their family cars.
Throughout its nine-years on the market, the Grand Livina was offered with a choice of either a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 105hp and 150Nm of torque, or a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder unit with 126hp and 174Nm of torque on hand. Both engines are remarkably smooth running and paired to an equally smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic (the 1.6-litre engine is also offered with a 5-speed manual).
If you are opting for the 1.6-litre variant, it is better to stick with the slick 5-speed manual and avoid the 4-speed automatic, which is a little slow and saps too much of the 1.6L’s humble power outputs. With a light clutch, the 1.6-litre manual variant is easy to operate in traffic, and frugal too. Otherwise, the 1.8-litre variant is the one to go for as it has sufficient power on hand to haul a full load on-board around with relative ease.
How Comfortable Is It?
Besides being granted car-like ride and handling with its suspension setup and monocoque construction, cabin refinement is rather good, and as expected of a Nissan, the front and middle row seats are very plush. Legroom in the middle row however is adequate for all who are under 180cm in height, whereas the third row is more suited for pre-adolescent children.
That being said, while the middle row only is equipped with a lap belt for a middle occupant, fitting three in the middle row might prove to be a bit of a squeeze as the cabin isn’t wide enough to seat three comfortably. Though there are a pair of rear air-conditioning vents protruding out from the front centre console, it is rather narrow and doesn’t dispense enough air to cool the second row occupants quickly, much less the third. That is better than nothing.
To ease access into the cabin, the range-topping 1.8L variant of the post-2013 facelift models come with the i-Key keyless entry and ignition feature.
How Economical Is It?
Based on our observations the fuel consumption of the Grand Livina ranges around the low 8L/100km and right up to high 9L/100km figures, depending on driving style and drivetrain specification.
When it comes to servicing costs however the post-2013 facelift models turns out to be cheaper to maintain over a 5-year/100,000km period than its pre-facelift variants as its service interval is set at 10,000km. The 2007-2013 pre-facelift models come with 5,000km service intervals.
Following Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis’ 5-year/100,000km preventative maintenance schedule, the total maintenance cost for the last two years of the pre-2013 facelift Grand Livina models (considering the latest models are of the 2013 model year) would amount to RM2,530 for the 1.6 M/T, RM2,571 for the 1.6 A/T, and RM2,617 for the 1.8 A/T.
As for the post-2013 facelift model, a full 5-year/100,000km maintenance cost would amount to RM3,325 for the 1.6 M/T, RM3,657 for the 1.6 A/T, and RM3,703 for the 1.8 A/T. Considering the maintenance cost difference between the 1.6 A/T and the 1.8 A/T, the big engine option is the better choice to opt for if you really do need an automatic.
Safety Features
Since the Grand Livina was first introduced in 2009 its safety features are understandably minimal by today’s standards and expectations. The MPV makes do with just two airbags, and basic braking assistance in the form of ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. This being a product of nine years ago, there wasn’t much of a demand for ISOFIX child seat anchor points, and as such it doesn’t come fitted with them.
Options Galore – Picking the Right Grand Livina
While a Grand Livina in its basic form is decently equipped, the good thing about Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is that if the car's equipment level doesn't satisfy your needs, there is a whole list of options available for you to spec it up with right off the showroom floor.
The current post-2013 facelift models comes with the option of fitting a 6.5-inch multimedia system with navigation, rear-view camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. This RM3,356 option might seem a bit steep, but it is worth the premium as the standard audio head unit lacks all the expected multimedia support. For an additional RM707, there is also an option to fit a roof-mounted 10.1-inch monitor with video playback capability for rear-seat occupants. Both systems, together with wing mirror mounted LED signal lights and LED kick plates, can be packaged together under the Navi Package, which is priced at RM4,014 for the 1.6L variants, and priced cheaper at RM3,714 for the 1.8L as the LED signal lights are a standard fixture.
For those who want combination leather trim on the seats and door panels, there is the Luxury Package, which is priced at RM3,835 for the 1.6L variants and RM3,558 for the 1.8L, with a choice of either outfitting the cabin in black or beige colour interior. Alternatively if you are feeling flushed with cash, you can have both Navi and Luxury additions bundled in the Family Package, which will set you back RM7,050 for the 1.6L variants, and RM6,781 for the 1.8L.
That’s not all. If you would like to put a sporty verve on your Grand Livina, ETCM is only too happy to strap on some bodykits from Japanese tuning partner, IMPUL. The IMPUL brochure includes bodykit (RM4,663), 17-inch rims (RM4,770) with performance tyres (RM1,822), sport suspension (RM2,914), and an exhaust muffler (RM1,884). The complete range of IMPUL bits can be had in a bundle for RM11,071, though there is some caution to be made.
We found the IMPUL sport suspension to be a little too stiff and compromised for use on Malaysian roads, and fitting the 17-inch rims with low-profile tyres would also eliminate much of the Grand Livina’s smooth ride quality. While the sports suspension does reduce body roll and the tyres deliver plenty of grip, it does nothing in amending the Grand Livina’s shortcoming of its numb steering. The standard 15-inch tyre delivers enough grip with a good level of cushioning comfort, which suits its smooth and refined character better. Also the noise from the IMPUL's sport exhaust muffler is intrusive and can get quite annoying on long highway journeys.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an affordable compact MPV with no frills, reliable, frugal, and offers a quiet and comfortable ride for your family, you can’t do better than the Grand Livina. With all the right ingredients found here, it is little wonder why the Grand Livina has soldiered on for so long.
That being all said, since its mechanical bits has gone unchanged over the past nine years, used Grand Livinas represents great value for money over a new one. As seen by the
wide selection of used Grand Livinas that are listed on our site
, you can pick a used one up for under RM50,000. And there isn't much concerns about the Grand Livina's reliability, as from what we have heard the Grand Livina’s drivetrain is pretty bulletproof, so even early examples are still hardy and dependable.
4-year old examples from 2012
 can be picked up at prices that range between 60 and 50 per cent of its original selling price. Or alternatively if you want a used Grand Livina with a 12-months/20,000km warranty with complimentary scheduled maintenance services and after sales support, you can look up ETCM’s MUV certified pre-owned
vehicle

dealers
 for a fine used example.


Limited Edition Mitsubishi Triton Knight Launched – Only 120 Units, RM138k

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) recently announced the introduction of the new Triton Knight.

Limited to only 120 units, the Triton Knight, which is based on the top-spec Triton Adventure X variant, is available only in White Diamond and packs on extra accessories to match its stylish presence.

Aesthetic wise, the Triton Knight is accentuated by a grey coated front bumper garnish and hood protector for a more aggressive stance. The tougher outlook is further complemented by “Knight” body stickers and side window deflectors.

Moving into the cabin, the Triton Knight comes with scuff plates and exclusive Red-stitching carpet mats with Knight embroidery.

Similar to the Triton Adventure X variant, the Triton Knight gets an All Round Monitor (ARM), as well as a Driving Video Recorder (DVR).

Last but not least, it also comes with a 7-Inch Touchscreen Audio system with Apple Carplay and Android Ready, and a sports bar as standard.

Priced at RM137, 900, the Triton Knight is priced the same as the current Triton Adventure X, but adds free accessories for a limited time only. It also comes with a warranty of 5 Years or 200,000km.

The Triton Knight aside, MMM’s current year-end promotions include a loyalty program exclusively for Mitsubishi Motors owners.

Customers who purchase selected Triton variants will be entitled to up to RM3, 000 cash rebates on top of on-going promotions.

In addition, any pick-up truck owners who purchase selected Triton variants are also entitled to additional RM2,000 cash rebates on top of current promotions.


PKP 3.0 – Tiada Arahan Berkurung Antara 8 Malam Hingga 8 Pagi

Benarkah rakyat Malaysia dikenakan perintah berkurung dan dilarang untuk keluar rumah selepas jam 8 malam sehingga 8 pagi? Jawapannya, tidak benar!

Seorang jurucakap Majlis Keselamatan Negara telah memberitahu akhbar tempatan bahawa kerajaan tidak mengenakan perintah berkurung kepada rakyat selepas jam 8 malam sehingga 8 pagi sepanjang penguatkuasaan
Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) 3.0
 ini.

Hanya sektor perniagaan yang diarah tutup selepas jam 8 kecuali farmasi dan klinik. Farmasi dibenarkan beroperasi sehingga jam 10 malam manakala klinik beroperasi mengikut waktu operasi mereka. Tambahan pula, SOP yang dikeluarkan oleh Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) langsung tidak menyatakan bahawa seseorang individu itu wajib berada di rumah selepas jam 8 malam.

Jika klinik dan farmasi tutup jam 10, bagaimana pula dengan pekerja seperti doktor dan jururawat mahu pulang ke rumah selepas jam 8 malam? Sebab itu tiada arahan berkurung atau larangan berada di atas jalan raya selepas jam 8 malam hingga 8 pagi.

Perkara ini menjadi perhatian umum setelah terdapat dakwaan bahawa terdapat orang awam telah disaman kerana berada di luar rumah selepas jam 8 malam hingga 8 pagi. Baru-baru ini, sebuah video pendek tular di media sosial yang menyatakan seseorang individu telah dikenakan kompaun sebanyak RM2,000 kerana berada di jalan raya sebelum jam 8 pagi. Video itu dirakam di
sekatan jalan raya
 di Jalan Persiaran Anggerik Eria di Seksyen 31, Shah Alam.

*Kredit video: Malaysia Road Incident

Dalam video itu, seorang anggota polis meminta surat kebenaran pergerakan PKP kepada seorang pemandu kerana beliau berada di atas jalan sebelum pukul 8 pagi dan menerangkan bahawa individu tersebut boleh disabitkan kesalahan sebanyak RM2,000. Walau bagaimanapun, video tular tersebut hanya berdurasi 29 saat dan tiada bukti bahawa individu terbabit dikenakan kompaun.

Oleh kerana perkara ini kecoh di media sosial, Ketua Polis Daerah Shah Alam Baharudin Mat Taib telah menafikan perkara berikut dan telah menjelaskan bahawa
tiada saman
 yang dikeluarkan terhadap individu tersebut.  Sebaliknya, anggota polis yang terlibat hanya memberi penjelasan kepada individu tersebut tentang SOP PKP 3.0.

*Kredit foto: Bernama

Beliau sekali lagi menegaskan bahawa MKN tidak mengeluarkan SOP yang menyatakan kenderaan tidak boleh berada di atas jalan raya sebelum pukul 8 pagi atau selepas 8 malam. Jadi tiada sebab untuk pihak polis untuk keluarkan kompaun selagi individu tersebut tidak rentas daerah atau
rentas negeri
. Pergerakan dalam daerah sama juga tidak perlukan surat pergerakan.

Mungkin penjelasan serta penyampaian anggota dalam video terbabit kurang jelas menyebabkan berlaku kekeliruan. Anda dibenarkan berada diluar rumah atau di jalan raya selepas jam 8 malam sekiranya ada urusan penting yang perlu diselesaikan.

Selain itu, satu panggilan ke Balai Polis Gombak telah dibuat oleh pihak kami bagi mendapatkan kepastian sama ada aktiviti bersukan yang menggunakan penjarakan sosial seperti jogging dan berbasikal dibenarkan selepas jam 8 malam hingga 8 pagi atau tidak. Menerut pegawai di balai tersebut,
aktiviti sukan selepas jam 8 malam sehingga jam 8 pagi adalah tidak dibenarkan
. Menurutnya, segala aktiviti sukan sepanjang PKP 3.0 hanya dibenarkan dari jam 8 pagi sehingga 8 malam sahaja bagi mengurangkan pergerakan.

Perkara ini telah menimbulkan sedikit kekeliruan kerana menurut kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh
Kementerian Belia Dan Sukan (KBS)
 pada tarikh 23 Mei 2021, tiada masa khusus ditetapkan bagi orang awam untuk bersukan. Namun orang ramai disarankan untuk melakukan aktiviti sukan yang dibenarkan sahaja bermula jam 6 pagi hingga 8 malam. Jika orang ramai hanya dibenarkan untuk bersukan bermula jam 8 pagi, apa motif sesetengah taman rekreasi yang buka jam 6/ 7 pagi?

Percanggahan kenyataan seperti ini yang membimbangkan. Bukan apa, kalau dianggap melanggar SOP PKP 3.0, tak pasal pasal dapat surat saman pula. Apa-apa pun, diharapkan tiada lagi berlaku kekeliruan SOP antara kerajaan, pihak berkuasa dan rakyat kerana ianya amat memeningkan.

Seelok-eloknya, duduk di rumah sekiranya anda tiada perkara penting untuk dilakukan di luar rumah selepas jam 8 malam hingga 8 pagi. Dengan jumlah kes positif harian yang mencecah sehingga 7 ribu kes, virus ini ternyata sudah berada di dalam kalangan kita pada waktu ini. Pilihlah sama ada mahu duduk rumah atau duduk dalam hospital sambil ditemani mesin ventilator.

Stay home, stay safe! #KitaJagaKita

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Beware: Possible Snatch Thieves Seen In KL Wielding Hand-Mounted Hooks

There are a couple of pictures that’s been making the rounds on various social media sites recently that raised a few shocked eyebrows regarding safety on the streets. It shows two men on a W-plated motorcycle with the pillion rider holding what looks to be a hook.
We don’t know for sure where this picture was taken (there’s talk of it being in the Bangsar or Bukit Pantai area, but nothing certain) or what the hook at the end of his hand is really there for, but we can speculate that this is exactly the type of tool used by snatch thieves to quickly nab the bags and/or belongings of unsuspecting pedestrians, with most victims being women.
Even more alarming is that, given the normally-concealed nature of the hook, the use of tools could mean this isn’t the only case. It’s gruesome to think of what could happen if that hook was used in a snatch theft incident gone wrong. In addition to this possibly being common practice among bike-mounted criminals, they could be hiding other tools/weapons that could be used to shatter windows or even cause outright bodily harm, making motorcycle and car passengers at risk as well. To that end, we have compiled a list of
useful tips for women to stay safe on the road
, there you'll find some useful bits that could prove vital to keep you out of harm's way.
We would like to leave you with a gentle reminder for all to stay safe on the streets and to always be aware of your surroundings.


SPAD Enforcement Seizes Nine Uber, GrabCar Vehicles In Operation

A three-hour operation was conducted by SPAD enforcement on Wednesday, September 30
th
, that led to nine vehicles impounded for their use in private taxi and ridesharing apps.
According to
The Malaysian Insider
, the seized vehicles (one Uber and eight GrabCar) were confiscated in the operation carried out by 36 enforcement officers around Bangsar, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Pudu and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
Additionally, nine taxi drivers were also nabbed for being caught not using their meter while ferrying passengers.
The operation is another in an ongoing effort by SPAD to clamp down on illegal taxi and vehicle-for-hire drivers, one that began in October 2014.
Enforcement chief Datuk Che Hasni Che Ahmad said: “Private vehicles are not allowed to carry (paying) passengers. To date SPAD has seized 43 Uber and 89 GrabCar vehicles. We have caught 145 private vehicles-for-hire with daily operations to apprehend culprits,”
For their unlicensed ferrying, those caught can face fines of up to RM10,000 or a maximum jail time of one year, or both. Ride sharing service providers, on the other hand, could be handed a fine of up to RM100,000.


8 hours in a Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus

I spent approximately eight hours in a
Volvo S90 T8
 Inscription Plus and I'm considering moving to Sweden.

First, some context:

My brother who works in Penang was itching to come back home to Klang to visit the folks and gorge on my Mum's legendary chicken curry. Lo and behold baby boomer parents said NO, you won't be taking any public transport, we will come and fetch you. My Dad is 69, my Mum 61, a four hour one-way drive to the Pearl of the Orient and back would be tiring to say the least, plus they were adamant that they would not stay the night, it would be an eight-hour splash and dash.

I put an end to that idea and volunteered to go fetch him instead. I would leave on Thursday night and we would be back by Friday lunchtime.

My vehicle of choice was the Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus. All RM386,920 of it.

She was a striking car and I grew to love her looks even more, the longer I spent with her. That sloping roofline, the Thor headlights, the integrated exhaust tips - it just worked lah!

She was not without her flaws, some of which I found quite annoying especially for a car at her price point but I also came to accept that as her quirks. After all, is there such a thing as a perfect car?

The drive

Now, this is the aspect that I absolutely loved the most. She's powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine upfront with an electric motor powering the rear. Together they produce 407hp and 640Nm's of torque.

What this means is that you have instant power on tap whenever you need it. The smile on my face never got smaller each time I stepped on the gas and was greeted by that instant boost all throughout the rev range. Let's just say a certain Bentley Continental GT wasn't all too pleased that a Volvo was showing him up. Think turbo without the lag, power on tap whenever you need it. She's like a cicak, she just sticks and moves. No wobble, no sway, just surefooted. I don't recall a more fun drive along the North-South highway.

But, but I wish the steering was more weighted, even in Power mode, it was just too light. Fix that Volvo, and she'd be one step closer to perfection.

The comfort

Those Nappa leather seats hug you in all the right places. Even in spirited driving, you won't have your bum sliding from side to side. It provides good traction much like the car itself. The Bowers and Wilkins 1400W sound system is more than adequate. I'm no audiophile, I just plug in my phone to Android Auto, turn on Spotify, turn the volume up and head-bang to ACDC. For that criteria, it's a solid performer.

She does need a solid sound system though because at high speeds, the noise in the cabin is rather loud for a Scandinavian. I found this quite surprising to be honest. She had Michelin Pilot Sport 4's on, so it wasn't the tires for sure. I could only assume that her sound insulation wasn't all that good. The electric motors are loud from the outside but let's be honest, do you ever drive your car without music, a podcast or something playing? Just turn up the volume lah, then it's fine. Don't need to be poyo. So this I learned to live with.

The consumption

KL-Penang-Tapah with 60km of fuel left out of a total journey distance of 575km. Fuel tank size is 50 litres. My consumption figures were 11.6l/100km. Now let's bear in mind that your consumption is dictated by how heavy your right foot is, and my right foot is very heavy, simply because she's so much fun to drive. To me, she shines best when driven hard, so I did.

Also worth noting, that I did not charge her up at a charge station, there isn't any close to where I live. I charged her up as I drove, harnessing the power of braking to regenerate the battery. We're still a ways off I feel from fully utilizing EV or PHEV's simply because charging stations are not as plentiful or convenient for many. Case in point, my colleague Jim paid RM11 to park his car at BSC to charge it up.

The conclusion

I like the way she looks, I like the way she drives, I like how comfortable she is but I don't like how she sounds inside the car. That's 3-1 in favour of the Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus. There is one other minor annoyance like how the sun reflects off the chrome bits or the crystal gear lever into your eyes but there's also so much more to love. The automatic big boot, the safety features, the in-built child booster seat, the fact that it helps you feel a little better about yourself because it's a PHEV.

I especially like that it can carry my family of three comfortably and safely whilst also giving Daddy his fun when alone.

Should you buy one? Go test-drive it, I guarantee that it will give you food for thought. Especially if you're already considering the German equivalent.

Would I buy one? Yes, if I lived in Sweden, because then I would be able to afford one!

For the full list of specifications, click
here
.


ECRL C2 Line From Gombak to Port Klang To Be Completed by 2027

Malaysia's Transport Minister,
Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong
, has announced that the
ECRL (East Coast Rail Link)
 C2 stretch is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The ECRL C2 line plans to pass through Selangor from Gombak to Port Klang, which is planned to cover four stations within 74.25km. These stations include Serendah Baru, Kapar, Port Klang, and probably the most important station, Puncak Alam.

High demand for Puncak Alam station

The C1 section of the
ECRL
 which covers Mentakab to ITT Gombak recently underwent a public inspection and received its final approval under the railway scheme earlier this year.

Based on the public feedback gathered through the public inspection and engagement sessions, Dr Wee stated that there were a lot of folks voicing out about wanting the Puncak Alam station to be included in the C2 line. For now, the station is still in its designing phase as well as negotiations with the Selangor state government following its approval by the Finance Ministry.

*Image credit: The Star

Puncak Alam station to be located near housing areas

Dr Wee also mentioned that the planning of the Puncak Alam ECRL station will be located in the Kuala Selangor district. More importantly, it'll be easily accessible by the nearby housing areas, businesses, and recreational spots to further reduce the dreaded 'first mile, last mile' conundrum.


All-New 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman Makes Malaysian Debut – From RM530,000

Formerly known as just the Cayman, the all-new 718 Cayman follows Porsche’s new naming convention for its entry-level four-cylinder sports cars, allowing Porsche to make a direct reference to its classic mid-engine four-cylinder 718 race car built between the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.
Like its recently launched convertible twin the
718 Boxster
 (from RM480,000), potential customers of the 718 Cayman can choose from two engine options – both four-cylinders, mounted midship driving the rear-wheels of course.
Specifications for Porsche Cayman:
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo (fixed turbine vanes), mid-mounted
Power: 300 hp at 6,500 rpm
Torque: 380 Nm between 1,950 to 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive
Brakes (front): Grey cast iron, 330mm diameter, 28 mm thick, vented and perforated
Brakes (rear): Grey cast iron, 299mm diameter, 20 mm thick, vented and perforated
Price:
From RM530,000
 (excluding insurance and optional features)
Optional features: GT sports steering wheel, Porsche Active Suspension Management with 10 mm lower ride height, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, ‘4-point’ LED headlamps, Sports Chrono Package
Specifications for Porsche Cayman S:
Engine: 2.5-litre turbo (variable turbine geometry), mid-mounted
Power: 350 hp at 6,500 rpm
Torque: 420 Nm between 1,950 to 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive
Brakes (front): Grey cast iron, 330mm diameter, 34 mm thick vented and perforated
Brakes (rear): Grey cast iron, 299mm diameter, 20 mm thick, vented and perforated
Price:
From RM700,000
 (excluding insurance and optional features)
Optional features: GT sports steering wheel, Porsche Active Suspension Management with 10 mm lower ride height, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, LED headlamps, Sports Chrono Package, additional infotainment modules – Connect, Navigation, Connect Plus, 8-speaker and 150 watts audio power Sound Package Plus
Apart from the roof and the boot, the all-new Porsche 718 Cayman is visually identical to its convertible twin the 718 Boxster.
The standard car comes with Bi-Xenon headlamps but the ‘4-point’ LED unit with integrated LED daytime running light seen here is an optional extra.
Behind, the rear wing extends automatically at speeds above 120 km/h. The boot opens to reveal a rather small-ish 275-litres (150-litre more than the Boxster) capacity boot but as the engine is mounted in the middle, there is additional storage space in front, where the bonnet pops open to reveal 150-litre capacity front boot.
At speeds of above 120 km/h, the rear wing rises automatically to reduce lift.
Inside, the standard car’s dashboard is trimmed in high-gloss back but customers can opt for a body-colour-coded interior. The steering wheel is derived from the plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder hypercar but there’s also the option of a smaller diameter GT sports steering wheel.
The standard infotainment is a 7-inch touchscreen Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system but customers can choose to upgrade this to include either the Connect, Navigation, Connect Plus modules or an 8-speaker 150 watts audio power Sound Package Plus system.

Related Articles

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April 26, 2016

Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Rallye Set To Debut Later This Month

Auto News

August 13, 2018

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport Now Comes In Two Versions And More Power

Auto News

January 09, 2019

 When equipped with the Sport Chrono Package, the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic 718 Cayman and 718 Cayman S accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and 4.2 seconds respectively.
Unlike grey-imported Porsches, all officially imported Porsches sold by Sime Darby Auto Performance comes with a 4-year warranty plus a 4-year/100,000 km free service and maintenance package.
Porsche fans living in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia will be pleased to know that Sime Darby Auto Performance has now opened a new
3S centre in Jalan Baru in Seberang Perai, Penang.


Ford brings the Focus RS to World Rally Cross

In the early 2000s, the late Colin McRae took the first generation
Ford

Focus
 RS to the world rally stage- and dominated with it. It was an inspiring performance, which boosted the image of the Focus model and cemented the Focus RS as the budget weapon of choice for both track junkies and boy racers alike. The second generation, despite being a marked improvement over the first, did not do as well in the rally scene. It was competitive, but it didn’t quite have the impact that the first generation had with McRae behind the wheel. But after a long hiatus, the Focus RS has returned to the market- and it’s coming back to motorsport as well.
But
Ford
 isn’t planning to enter the new Focus RS into WRC, at least not for the time being. Due to regulations and such, the Fiesta is still the more effective platform for rally- and with so many teams having invested so much money in developing the Fiesta platform, it will likely remain as the car of choice. This time, the Focus RS will be heading into the FiA world rally cross events. Its debut event will be mid-April, during the Portugal leg of the 12-race series. Ford has been involved in rally cross since the very first recorded event back in 1967, and the success of the Fiesta in rally cross events is no doubt a strong persuader to expand their investment in rally cross.
The car in question will be prepped by M-Sport and Hoonigan Racing- the former known for their involvement in the World Rally Championship, and the latter known for its association with the venerable Ken Block. Instead of being powered by the road-car’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost motor, this rally cross car uses a smaller 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine (no doubt for regulations).
Power and torque outputs are at 600 hp and 900 Nm respectively, though these are conservative figures as a result of the mandatory restrictor plate on the turbocharger. Power is channelled through a SADEV sequential gearbox and adjustable mechanical front and rear differentials, for maximum adjustability. The suspension design has been completely revamped to run double wishbones on all four corners, sitting on Reiger dampers.


Quick Review: New 2019 Proton Iriz – Improvements Done Right

367 improvements. Yes, that was the figure provided by Proton with regards to the amount of updates done to the new Iriz. The amount includes improved brake performance, better noise suppression, and lower fuel consumption.
Of course, the amount of improvements also include the various visual changes, both inside and out.
Visually, the updated Iriz gets a pair of headlights from the Persona, with a chrome strip forming Proton’s Ethereal Bow, connecting both headlights. The front bumper is also new, with a slightly smaller bottom air intake and bolder-looking surrounds for the LED daytime running lights.
Towards the sides, Proton has removed the side skirts that were found on higher variants of the pre-facelift model, giving the updated Iriz a cleaner side profile. New 15 inch wheels help complete the side profile of the Iriz. We noticed that Proton also removed the air spats on the updated Iriz, curiously enough.
As for the rear, Proton has tried to alleviate the flat-looking tailgate by fitting a black trim piece with the Proton lettering emblazoned across. The rear bumper has also been reworked, giving the updated Iriz a more planted and aggressive appeal.
Moving inside, changes are subtle, but adds to the overall appeal of the Iriz. First up is the new infotainment system, which now comes with the “Hi Proton” voice command system. This system is only found on the range-topping Premium 1.6L variant of the new Iriz.
However, unlike the more sophisticated system on the X70 that can control the sunroof and windows, the simplified version found in the new Iriz is strictly limited to music, weather forecast, and navigation features. Despite that, it still offers in-car hotspot connectivity via the built-in 4G connectivity. Still no sign of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay though.
Input from Geely is also evident in the new meter cluster, rear view mirror with clear plastic bezel, and new CVT gear knob.
Behind the wheel of the new Iriz, we found that the retuned CVT now offers a smoother and more linear response when compared to the older model. Granted, Proton has learned a lot since they first fitted the Punch-sourced transmission back in 2011, improving the transmission in terms of response and driveability over the years.
The entry-level variant of the updated Iriz features a five-speed manual transmission, but that variant was not available for us to sample, unfortunately.
Apart from the more-refined CVT, we also enjoy the Iriz’s steering response. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) found in the Iriz strikes a fine balance between road feedback and weight, something that some companies still struggle with.
A more in-depth review of the new Proton Iriz in a real-world condition will follow suit.


Perodua: Growing Market Share Beyond 35 Percent Difficult, MAI’s 1 mil TIV By 2020 Doubtful

As of November 2017, Perodua’s market share in Malaysia stands at 35 percent. The numbers for December 2017 will only be compiled by the third week of January 2018 but we don’t expect any significant movement as far Perodua’s market share is concerned.
At this morning’s interview with BFM radio, Perodua’s President and CEO Datuk Dr. Aminar Rashid Salleh conceded that Perodua’s business in Malaysia is nearing its limit and further gains in market share is going to be difficult.
“If you look at the domestic market, we are about to reach maturity,” said Aminar.
“35 percent, it’s going to be tough going beyond that,” he added.
As of November 2017, Perodua had sold 184,707 vehicles in the eleven-month period of 2017.
No doubt there will be gains from the recently launched all-new Myvi, but net gains will be capped by the small amount of cannibalization of Axia’s sales by the all-new Myvi but Aminar explained that the effect on Axia’s sales are minimal and certainly not to the point of raising any red flags to the company.
A market share of about 35 percent is about the limit any leading domestic brand can realistically hope to achieve in its home market. Toyota for example, has an overall market share of 33 percent in Japan (including ‘kei’ minivehicles). Likewise for Daihatsu in Japan, which holds a 33 percent market share in the ‘kei’ minivehicle segment that it competes in.
In most other markets, leading domestic brands rarely see their market share go beyond 20 percent. Volkswagen hovers at around 20 percent in Germany while Ford and General Motors hover around 15 percent in USA.
As for the Total Industry Volume (TIV), a measure of total new vehicles sold in the country, Datuk Dr. Aminar is doubtful about the government’s projection of selling 1 million new vehicles by 2020.
“Well I am sure when the government came up with those figures, or in this instance MAI (Malaysian Automotive Institute) came up with those figures, it was with certain assumptions at that time. Fast forward, things have changed and I am sure they are going to relook into those numbers. It’s going to be challenging meeting the figure that was mentioned,” he said.
The TIV numbers for 2017 is expected to close at 590,000. The highest TIV ever recorded for Malaysia was in 2015, when 666,674 new vehicles were sold.
Separately, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) forecast’s for 2020’s TIV to be at just 663,500 units, well below the 1 million units originally targeted by MAI when announcing the 2014 National Automotive Policy.
When asked in infrastructure is one of the concerns before Malaysia can realistically aim for a 1 million units TIV, Datuk Dr. Aminar said, “Yes that’s the other factor that needs to be taken into consideration and I suppose that’s one of the reasons why the government is investing in public transportation. There needs to be that balance. You don’t want to have too many cars on the road but at the same time there is demand (for cars). Moving forward we believe there will still be growth, we are talking about three to four percent per year.”
Aminar also elaborated a bit on Perodua’s Transformation 2.0, and how the company is very mindful of new challenges to its business in the form of changing consumer habits and technology disruptors like ride-sharing apps and autonomous vehicles.
He highlighted the recent MoU signing between with Grab. Rather than viewing these new startups as competitors to Perodua’s private car ownership business model, Perodua wants to complement these services.
“If you are to look at the LRTs and MRTs, you still need to get to the station. There is still a need for transportation and we feel that this is where we can come into play – the last mile connectivity. Our cars are compact, easy to drive easy to park. So there are still pockets of opportunities,” he added.
As for exports, Datuk Dr. Aminar also mentioned that Perodua is studying the opportunities in exporting automotive parts, acknowledging that Perodua’s exports of completely built-up cars (CBUs) have been minimal, numbering at no more than 5,000 units per year.
“Apart from CBUs, we are now also talking about exporting parts and components. So that’s the other area which we believe, perhaps the challenges are lesser compared to CBUs. So that’s an area that we are currently looking into seriously,” he said.


One-Off MINI In Celebration Of Royal Wedding – To Be Auctioned For Charity

MINI will celebrate the upcoming royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with a one-off MINI hatch designed specifically to commemorate the occasion, and to be donated to one of the couple’s chosen charities.
After the wedding day on 19th May 2018, this exclusive MINI will be handed over to The Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA) for public auction.
This unique MINI is finished in Crystal White with silver-blue accent strips on the front hood and rear body panels. Elsewhere, the lower body trim that wraps around the car features a blue-tinted matt silver paint finish.
Other MINI hatch design features (normally in chrome), such as the frame for the hexagonal radiator grille, the door handles and the surrounds for the headlights and rear lights are topped off with a blue-black tinted clear coat. Along the flanks, this MINI is fitted dark-blue matt metallic wheel rims. Round the back, the rear lights feature Union Jack design graphics.
A major highlight is the roof graphics which uses multiple colours, applied meticulously by hand in several layers to bring together elements of both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s national flags. Elsewhere, the side scuttles around the side turn signal indicators have been 3D-printed to embellish the initials M and H, with a heart and rings.
To top it off, when the car is unlocked, it projects an exclusive “Just Married” welcome graphic onto the ground in front of the driver and passenger side doors.
On the inside, Satellite Grey leather upholstery is highlighted by a large trim strip on the dashboard which is embossed with the first names of the bride and groom, wedding date and good wishes.
Another special feature of the interior is an accent inspired by the roof graphic, which is integrated into the trim strips in the doors, behind the steering wheel and the head restraints.


Where To Buy RFID Tag And How To Stick Them On Your Car?

Don't know where to buy an RFID tag or how to stick them on your car? Don't worry, we have you covered.

If you've just come back from your holiday and have not heard the news, well let us give you a recap of the big news that hit motorists in December 2021. The Ministry of Works announced that they would gradually start to
phase out Touch' n Go and SmartTAG lanes
 along the North-South Highway in favour of RFID lanes starting from, now, 2022.

What this means is that sooner or later, all Touch' n Go and SmartTAG lanes will be removed, and instead, all motorists will have to use RFID as their primary way of getting taxed for using the highway.

As part of the announcement, they also informed road users to kit themselves out with an RFID tag as soon as possible to avoid getting stuck at tolls in the near future. But where does one get it in the first place?

For those unfamiliar with RFID, it is more of an advanced toll payment system than SmartTAG and Touch' n Go (TnG). RFID uses a radio frequency system to read RFID tags over longer distances.

The RFID tags have to be bought, registered and installed on your vehicles. After which, you will be able to start using them.

Toll charges will be deducted through its proprietary TnG e-Wallet application, which requires downloading on your smartphone.

So where can you purchase RFID tags?

There are a few ways you can acquire RFID tags for your vehicles.

RFID fitment centre

If you're unsure about the whole ecosystem and how it works, you can visit the 39 RFID fitment centres dotted all around the Klang valley to get one and be brought up to speed about them.

Shopee or Lazada

If you're a
hands-on type of person and love DIY
, you can either purchase them via e-commerce sites like Lazada and Shopee.

TnG eWallet App

While the TnG eWallet way might sound like the path with the most resistance, it's actually relatively easy as all you need to do is simply download, register and open the app, and then go to the RFID option. You will then tap on the RFID kit ordering option, bringing you to the ordering page. Then, enter your details, complete the purchase by paying RM 35, and they will send it out to your designated address.

Petrol Stations and Convenience Stores

Some petrol stations and convenience shops also sell RFID tags, so buy one if you ever come across it for the easiest of acquisitions.

How do you install them?

Here are the recommended ways to install the RFID tag for those who will not be going through the RFID fitment centre route. For those who are, trained personnel at the fitment centres will do it all for you.

Clean the surface of the windscreen or headlamp

Peel off the TNG RFID Tag

Install TNG RFID Tag on the outside of the upper left windscreen or left headlamp (passenger side).

According to Touch N' Go, RFID tags cannot be installed on a headlamp or windscreen with a tint or near (at least 5cm away) metal content.

It is recommended that you install the tags on the windscreen for larger cars like SUVs and MPVs and headlamps for smaller cars.

You have to bear in mind that once you have installed the RFID tags, they cannot be peeled off and reinstalled as they will be damaged - so make sure that you take the necessary precautions before sticking them on.


Volvo XC40 To Receive New Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains

When the Volvo XC40 was launched back in September 2017, it was available with either a D4 diesel or a T5 Drive-E petrol engine. A couple of months later, a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine was added to the range, which can be identified by its T3 emblem. This engine outputs 156 hp and 265 Nm, which is considerably more than other three-cylinder engines from BMW.
Over the weekend, Volvo announced that the available powertrains for the XC40 will be supplemented with two new plug-in hybrid powertrains – the first being the T5 Twin Engine and the second being the T4 Twin Engine.
Although Volvo has yet to reveal the engine capacity or power figures of the new powertrains, its safe to say that the Twin Engine versions of the T4 and T5 powertrains should output similar power figures to petrol equivalents of T4 and T5 variants - 190 hp/300 Nm, 247 hp/350 Nm respectively. Of course, the Twin Engine variants will have less emissions and lower fuel consumption and in some markets, that's crucial.
For the Malaysian market, the Volvo XC40 is powered exclusively by the T5 powertrain, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that sends 252 hp and 350 Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Read more:
Volvo XC40 Launched In Malaysia, Priced From RM255,888
Review: Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design – Rethinking Family Cars
XC40 To Feature Volvo’s First 3-Cylinder Engine


50 Percent Of New Mercedes-Benz Cars Are Financed By Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) ended the first quarter of 2019 with 2,944 vehicles delivered, 12 percent lower than the same three-month period in 2018. Despite the contraction, Mercedes-Benz remains the leading premium automotive brand in Malaysia.
The contraction is mostly due to shortfalls in the A-Class (down 28 percent to 427 cars) as well as its core C-Class and E-Class sedans (down 13 percent to 1,714 cars). On the upside, sales of SUV models grew by 3 percent to 695 cars while its Dream Cars range grew by 15 percent to 108 cars.
Despite the challenging market conditions, MBM said March’s deliveries was its best-ever, at 1,334 vehicles, buoyed by five new model launches - E200 Sportsstyle Avantgarde, E 300 Exclusive, E 350 AMG Line, GLC 300 Coupe and GLE 450 AMG Line. Except for the imported GLE 450, all models listed above are locally-assembled at MBM’s vehicle assembly facility in Pekan.
MBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said: “We started the year with the launch of five new models in the first quarter of 2019. We will continue to enhance our brand experience with innovative mobility solutions, introduction of new products and engaging experiences through our customer services.”
Dr. Weidner added, “At MBM, we place high importance in offering the right mix of product and services to our existing and new customers. Our customer-centric approach will continue to provide our customers with the best service and the best customer experience. This includes continuing to honour our brand promise through the various formulated service packages to ensure that our customers enjoy ultimate peace of mind throughout the entire ownership life cycle of their vehicles.”
Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing said, “We remained as the number one premium market leadership position with a total of 2,944 vehicles delivered to customers in the first quarter and a best-ever sales in March with 1,334 vehicles. This was a direct contribution from the exceptional financing offer coupled with a comprehensive service packages offered.”
More importantly, MBM’s financing and insurance arm Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) saw its financing portfolio growing to RM2.7 billion, a year-to-date increase of RM 300 million. Four out of five vehicles sold by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia are now financed by MBSM, which also insures 60 percent of the cars.
The financing business is especially important for MBM to differentiate itself from cheaper grey imports. The combination of MBSM’s Young Star Agility Financing and MBM’s wide range of fully warrantied (up to 5 years from date of registration) Certified Pre-Owned cars makes for a competitively priced alternative against grey imports.
When asked if the government’s recent move to remove the
capped limit for Open APs
 will result in stronger headwinds for MBM, Mark Raine said, “We’ve been very successful in establishing our business model, which is we’ve got an extensive dealer network, we’ve got customer services, we’ve got financial services, which adds value to the customer. Next to that, we’ve got the new car business and our certified pre-owned car business – MB Certified. Next to that, we have a wide variety of products and also segments to the market. I believe the parallel imports are cars that are more of the older generation and therefore not contradicting our strategies.”
Further to that, Dr Claus Weidner added by saying “We build the car. We are taking care of the customer from A-Z. I think this is a big difference that we also want to bring out to the market continuously.”
As for after-sales, MBM’s network of 35 dealerships nationwide (the most for any premium brand here) has serviced over 40,000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2019 alone – a 13 percent increase from the same period last year.


Isuzu D-Max Leads The Pack Into The Wilds For The 25th Borneo Safari

Yesterday, October 25
th
 saw the flag-off for the 25
th
 Borneo Safari i
n the day's early hours
. The punishing off-road expedition through some of the most challenging terrain will have over 250 vehicles in convoy through the eight-day journey. And leading that charge is the
Isuzu

D-Max
 on point duty.
This year’s Borneo Safari was officiated in Kota Kinabalu by Sabah’s Tourism Cultural and Environment Minister, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. Following the flag off, the participants will be taking on the wilds of the state’s highland interior near Tenom and Keningau.
This is the ninth year in a row that members of the media are able to experience and document the expedition. They will be ferried along with the convoy in their own Isuzu D-Max. Indeed, the pick-up has an impressive history with the event, having claimed two ‘Borneo Safari Vehicle of the Year’ titles.
“For close to a decade, the media corps has been able to keep pace with the progress of the event from the cockpits of the official media Isuzu D-Max. These vehicles have long risen beyond trying to prove their abilities in the rough and instead, have established themselves as a fixture of the Borneo Safari where they are depended upon to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently,” said Executive Director of Isuzu Malaysia Hajime Machimura.
Like before, three units of the Isuzu D-Max will be leading the media convoy this year, consisting of two 2.5-litre models and one 3-litre.


Frankfurt 2017: Mercedes-AMG Project One - AWD F1 Road Car That Points To Future Hybrid AMGs

This plug-in hybrid hyper car represents the chorus of AMG’s 50
th
 anniversary celebrations – the Mercedes-AMG Project One, essentially a road-going F1 car, revealed for the first time at the Mercedes-Benz Night ahead of tomorrow's opening of the Frankfurt International Auto Show.
It goes from 0 to 200 km/h in less than 6 seconds, with a top speed of over 350 km/h. Located in the middle is the same engine used by a Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 car – a 1.6-litre direct injection petrol-electric hybrid unit with electric turbocharging that produces over 1000 hp, albeit with its rev limit reduced from 15,000 to 11,000 rpm in the interest of longevity.

Like the F1 car, the Project One’s monocoque is made of carbon fibre.
In many ways, the Project One is actually better than an F1 car. Where an F1 car is only rear-wheel driven, the Project One is all-wheel drive. Of course, the Project One can accommodate a passenger and some luggage, and it can be driven on the road in regular traffic conditions.
We are not sure if the Project One comes with air-conditioning, because we don't see any climate control switches, and Mercedes-AMG describes those vents in the cabin as ventilation vents rather than air-conditioning vents.
The green-ish hyper car is the result of three separate Mercedes-Benz divisions working together - Formula 1 experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, England and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team in Brackley, England, with engineers at Mercedes-AMG division in Affalterbach, Germany taking overall responsibility for Project One.
At the moment, the Project One remains as a concept car, hence the slightly vague performance stats. When it eventually does go into production (no timeline given), the Project One will remain as a very exclusive, limited production car.
So it’s not yet a real car, and there’s not going to be a lot of them, so why bother?
Read between the lines, and one will understand the not so subtle hints that Mercedes-AMG is dropping - the next generation of AMG models will be hybrids.
The days of loud V8s are over. Mercedes-AMG doesn’t want to say it in a big way, but it is an expected progression when you consider where the overall auto industry is already heading towards.
“Project ONE provides an outlook on how AMG will define driving performance in the future", said Tobias Moers explains as the Head of Management at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The next generation of AMG models will certainly offer some form of electrified drivetrain option, and this Project One will make a bold statement that hybrids can become halo AMG models.
The Project One also wears the F1 car's EQ Power+ badge, an expansion of the regular EQ Power sub-brand that is currently being rolled out progressively on all Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid models.
Here are some highlights of the Mercedes-AMG Project One
Four electric motors, including the turbocharger
The 1.6-litre V6 engine uses principles of forced induction but with a very different type of turbocharger – the F1 team calls it MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat).
The turbines for exhaust gas and compressor are linked by a shaft driven by a 90 kW electric motor – the first of the four motors mentioned here. It spins the turbine to up to 100,000 rpm. The result is zero turbo lag, and a throttle response that’s faster than a naturally aspirated V8.
The turbocharger not only recovers lost energy from exhaust gas to compress intake air, but also generates electricity.
The second motor is a 120 kW unit located at the crankshaft, a setup that’s typical of any hybrid car. Drive is transferred to the rear wheels (front axle is electrically driven) via a bespoke 8-speed manual transmission that has been developed exclusively for the Project One, It is activated hydraulically and can be operated in automated mode or manually using the shift paddles.
The third and fourth motor are located on the front axle, one driving each wheel. It not only provides drive and but are also capable of selective regenerative braking for each wheel, as well as torque vectoring.
The overall thermal efficiency of the drivetrain is about 40 percent, compared to conventional petrol engine’s 30 to 38 percent.
F1 Derived Li-Ion High Voltage Batteries
The high voltage batteries used in the Project One are the same as the Li-Ion packs used in the F1 car, with the only difference being quantity of cells, which has been adapted for a road car. The batteries, DC/DC convertor and other supporting components are mounted on the vehicle floor, behind the front axle.
It also runs on 800 Volts instead of a usual hybrid car’s 400 Volts. The higher Voltage allows for a lower Amperage, which opens up the possibility of using significantly thinner cables, thus reducing size and weight.
EV drive mode is achieved using the front axle only, with a claimed EV range of 25 km.
Active Aerodynamics
As you would expect for any hyper car, the Project One slices through the wind with using quite a few aids.
The rear wing extends in two stages. The louvres on the front wheel arches opens up at higher speeds while an extendable front lip adds downforce to the front axle.
The rear is dominated by a shark fin-like structure, which AMG says improves improves lateral stability when cornering at high speed while two large NACA air inlets ensure optimum guidance of the airflows for the engine and transmission oil coolers located at the rear end.
Strip away the F1 tech bits, retain the performance-oriented hybrid engine concept, add a more user-friendly body style, and you will have the next generation AMG model that’s aimed at a wider crowd.
We expect to see much of the elements here to be applied on an upcoming
Mercedes-AMG GT sedan
 model, which has already been previewed at March’s Geneva Motor Show.


Review: Honda CR-V AWD – Chart-topping Surefooted Practicality

The SUV segment is synonymous with the Honda CR-V, having cemented its superiority over the two decades plus since it first went on sale in 1995.
The Honda CR-V was not exactly the pioneer in the mainstream SUV segment, as the Toyota RAV4 entered the scene roughly a year earlier in 1994.
Despite being earlier to the market than the CR-V, the RAV4 never really caught on here in Malaysia. Coupled with the fact that the current generation RAV4 was never officially offered for sale here, the RAV4 soon became a distant memory.
Thanks to the demise of the Toyota RAV4 from the local market, Honda managed to hold on to its crown, though competition in the form of the Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Mazda CX-5 threatened the CR-V’s top spot.
Does the all-new model have what it takes to remain on the top of the food-chain?
Specifications for Honda CR-V 1.5 AWD
Engine: 1.5-litre transverse four-cylinder, turbocharged
Power: 190 hp at 5,600 rpm
Torque : 243 Nm at 2,000 – 5000 rpm
Transmission: CVT-type automatic, AWD
Safety: Six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), reverse camera, ISOFIX
Price: RM 152,470 without insurance
Assembly: Locally-assembled in Pegoh, Melaka
Overview
The all-new fifth-generation was launched in July 2017, with four variants available for buyers to choose. All but the entry-level CR-V features the company’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, first introduced with the tenth-generation Civic.
Our loaner, despite featuring AWD, isn’t top of the crop in the CR-V lineup, as Honda Malaysia has positioned the CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD as the flag bearer. So, no top spec AWD for us.
Disappointed that the top spec isn’t the AWD model? Well, Honda Malaysia reckons that buyers these days will prioritize on the safety aspects of the CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD’s Honda Sensing safety suite, instead of having AWD.
Exterior
Coming in at 4,584 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,689 mm tall, the all-new Honda CR-V is about 6 mm shorter length-wise than the model it replaces, though the new SUV is now 35 mm wider, allowing for better shoulder room for passengers. The AWD variant of the CR-V is almost 10 mm taller than its 2WD brethren.
Up front, the all-new Honda CR-V gets LED headlights, LED DRLs, and LED front fog lights, while the rears get LED tail lights and a single rear LED fog light.
In terms of design, Honda utilized their ‘Modern Functional Dynamic’ design language for the all-new CR-V. Whether the design is up your alley is completely up to you, as design is a highly debatable and subjective topic. We do like how imposing the front end of the all-new CR-V is, though the rear end takes some time getting used to.
Again, all but the entry-level models wear 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels all round, shod in 235/60R18 Toyo Proxes R45 rubbers. The entry-level CR-V 2.0 gets 17-inch alloy wheels instead.
Interior
The key highlight of the new CR-V is its unmatched practicality, even if interior trim materials are one notch below the CX-5.
One example is the massive tailgate aperture that eases cargo loading and unloading. Coupled with the low loading floor and tall roofline, loading heavy or large items are a breeze compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-5. Practicality is taken to another level with the second row seats folded flat, expanding the already massive 522 litres of boot space to a whopping 1,084 litres.
Massive boot space aside, the CR-V's rear seats are noteworthy as they offer great comfort thanks to comfortable cushions and the seats have the ability to recline. Legroom, headroom, and shoulder room are also good for a family of five. Storage spaces at the rear is also decent, as the door pockets are large enough for the needs of most families. The rear seats are further complemented by a pair of USB charging ports behind the centre console and rear air vents.
The practicality theme continues with the centre console storage, as it features enough space to safely stow a handbag in there.
Another aspect where the all-new CR-V reigns supreme over the Mazda CX-5 is its infotainment system, as its 7-inch Advanced Display Audio system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right out of the box. Unfortunately for Mazda owners, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have yet to be formally introduced here.
We also appreciate and enjoy using the digital meter cluster. Similar to the tenth-generation Honda Civic, the digital meter cluster is tied back to the infotainment and navigation system, displaying current song played and turn-by-turn navigation directions.
If we were to nitpick, we reckon the faux wood trim is the biggest offender here. The base CR-V 2.0’s silver interior trim, we believe, would be a better fit for the CR-V, as the wooden trim looks rather out of place in the CR-V.
Driving Experience
Surefooted and well balanced is the best way to describe the Honda CR-V’s driving dynamics, thanks to its AWD configuration. We took the SUV through trunk roads and highways and the CR-V never left us wanting more traction or grip.
Steering is responsive enough, although the one on the Mazda CX-5 offers better sharpness and road feedback. Despite that, the weightage is just right without feeling over-assisted or under-assisted. Being a family-oriented SUV, steering feedback is practically non-existent, isolating the driver from the surface underneath.
While on the topic of being a family-oriented SUV, the all-new CR-V’s ride comfort leans a little on the softer sprung side, though without compromising too much on handling.
We also had the chance to drive the previous generation Mazda CX-5 through the same trunk roads and noticed that the CX-5 offered a more engaging and exciting driving experience. The CX-5 leaned less in corners than the CR-V, though the naturally-aspirated CX-5 in the 2.0-litre guise did left us occasionally wanting more.
In this aspect, the CR-V, thanks to its turbocharged engine that does a healthy 190 hp and 243 Nm, never left us desiring for more grunt. Coupled with the silky smooth CVT, the Honda CR-V just accelerates off the line with ease. However, unlike the Subaru XV that we recently sampled, the virtual ratios in the CVT-type automatic are practically unnoticeable, if any at all.
Fuel Economy
Although the inclusion of real time AWD may sound like fuel economy is compromised for the sake of improved traction, during our time with the new CR-V, the fuel consumption came up to an average of 11.7 km/L, pretty darn impressive for an SUV that was driven with a full load most of the time.
Conclusion
Seeing that almost every car manufacturer throwing an SUV into the mix, Proton soon to be included, buyers are generally spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping for one.
Granted, if a fun-to-drive SUV is what you want, then the Volkswagen Tiguan or Mazda CX-5 should be shortlisted instead, as those two models are better known for their driving dynamics.
But if what you want is an all-rounder SUV that is the most family-friendly, has the most practical and spacious cabin, then the Honda CR-V should be on your shopping list, as for what it’s worth, the CR-V truly stands out as one of the best SUVs money can buy at this very moment. No surprise why the CR-V has managed to top sales charts time after time and continues to do so.


BMW M4 DTM Edition – 200-Unit Special To Mark 2016 DTM Title

BMW Motorsport Works Driver Marco Wittmann has just secured the 2016 German Touring Car Championship (DTM) driver’s title, and BMW is marking the occasion with a celebratory M4 DTM Champion Edition limited to just 200 units across the world.
Essentially an
M4 GTS
 with DTM racing stripes, the M4 DTM Champion Edition gets the enhanced version of the M4’s 3.0-litre straight-six engine featuring the same enhancements as seen in the M4 GTS, notably its water injection system that cools the engine more effectively.
Vital stats are therefore identical to the M4 GTS, the engine churning out 69hp and 50Nm more than the
regular F80 M4
 to give output numbers of 500hp and 600Nm. It completes the sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 305km/h. Fuel consumption and CO
2
 emissions are rated at 8.5 litres/100km and 199 g/km respectively.
Compared to the regular M4, the M4 DTM is further lightened with extensive use of carbon fibre body panels and lightweight titanium exhaust silencer.
At each corner, the M4 DTM sits on racetrack-spec Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high performance tyres; sizing is staggered – 265/35 R19 at the front, 285/30 R20 at the rear. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard, as are individually adjustable 3-way coilovers.
Finished exclusively in Alpine White, the M4 DTM Edition wears many common styling cues with BMW’s DTM racing cars. Aerodynamic items such as front splitter, side mirror, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and other fins are left in unpainted carbon finish to achieve the raw race car look.
Inside, the regular M4’s rear seats are stripped out and replaced with a white-painted roll cage (orange-painted in the M4 GTS) for reinforced body rigidity. The remaining two seats are M Carbon items trimmed in Alcantara / Leather Merino finish. Rest of the interior is trimmed in Alcantara, and its M Sports steering wheel has a grey mark on its 12 o’clock position.
It’s not lacking in amenities though; you will find satellite navigation, adaptive LED headlights, active high beam assistance, OLED tail lights, all-round parking sensors, and auto-dimming mirrors.
The M4 DTM Champion Edition 2016 is priced at €148,500 in Germany.


Geneva 2019: Electric ‘Imagine By Kia’ Concept Is Pure Peculiar

The team at Kia Motors must have been given plenty of freedom when they were tasked to execute a fully-electric Kia concept vehicle.
The ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept vehicle combines various elements of a muscular sports utility vehicle with a spacious crossover in a familiar family saloon silhouette. Up front, the company’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille has now been amplified to be the lighting signature.
This new ‘tiger mask’ creates a distinctive and recognizable lighting motif that instantly marks the vehicle as a Kia for the 21 st century. “The inspiration for the ‘tiger mask’ was to create the look and feel of the headlamps being suspended within a transparent block of glass,” explains Gregory Guillaume, VP of Design for Kia Motors Europe.
Meanwhile, a single sheet of glass was used for both the windscreen and roof, flowing from the base and over the cabin for four to create a vast sky-window, before tapering into a double-bubble over the rear seats.
Kia has partnered with Goodyear to create bespoke 22-inch Intelligrip EV tyres for the ‘Imagine by Kia’ Concept. Inside each Intelligrip EV tyres is a sensor that is able to detect road conditions and communicate with the vehicle to ultimately deliver improved driving performance.
Ralph Kluge, who was in charge of the interior design, wanted to surprise, engage, and attract both driver and passengers.
The backing of the front seats look like they were made out of reptile skin, but Kluge pointed out that the diamond cross-cut shells look slim and lightweight but they are actually incredibly strong and robust.
He adds that the seats are very comfortable and supportive as they are covered with leather and silk.
Once seated, the driver is distracted by the most amounts of display screens ever placed on a vehicle dashboard. A total of 21 smartphone-sized display screens are casually placed across the width of the interior.
Kluge, however, says it is all a matter of adding some fun in this era of vehicle interiors. “These 21 incredibly thin screens are a humorous and irreverent riposte to the on-going competition between some automotive manufacturers to see who can produce the car with the biggest screen,” he added.
The versatility of the all-electric architecture has not only enabled the Kia design team to create this open and spacious interior for passengers, but also for their luggage. ‘Imagine by Kia’ boasts two capacious storage areas: a ‘frunk’ front trunk and a traditional rear storage area accessed through the glass hatch.


Buying Guide: 2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

A clash of giants. The two mainstays for Honda and Toyota sit in a hotly contested arena – so let’s see how they stack up against each other

As diverse as the current line-up of vehicles from Honda and Toyota is today, both of these companies were built on a foundation laid by their C-Segment models – or at least, the evolution of these models over the decades. The
Honda Civic
 and
Toyota Corolla
 started off as compact city cars, growing into family-friendly options and becoming larger with every passing generation. There have been generations of families that have bought Civic after Civic or Corolla after Corolla as they progressed through life.

But the world has changed a great deal in the last decade or so, and sedans just aren’t as hot as they used to be. In many parts of Europe sedans have never been popular anyway – wagons and hatchbacks are the perefered shape. And of course in other parts of the world, there is a growing demand for crossovers and SUVs – which in turn has cannibalized sales of their traditional sedan models.

Be that as it may, the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla are still fantastic models in their own right, if you’re willing to buck this crossover and SUV trend. Let’s take a look at how they compare and understand what makes them so appealing in our eyes:

Body To Body: 2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

Both of these models are reasonably large, although it’s obvious that the Civic just has that slight advantage in terms of length which translates to a little more legroom and boot space. It’s no surprise here as Honda has always been a master when it comes to packaging, whereas Toyota is lagging just a little behind in that department, but it certainly isn’t cramped inside the cabin by any measure. In terms of raw numbers, the Civic measures an overall length of 4,648 mm and a wheelbase of 2,700 mm, while the Corolla stands at 4,630 mm long and an identical wheelbase of 2,700 mm.

Engine Options: 2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

If there’s one big disappointment for the Corolla, it’s that it simply doesn’t have the range of engines on offer in other countries – from a small capacity turbocharged unit to a larger naturally aspirated powerplant. Malaysians get a singular 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine that pushes 139 PS and 172 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT-type automatic transmission. Honda buyers on the other hand get to choose between a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or the 1.5-litre turbocharged powerplant that features in many of their models. The latter is the more common choice, with an output of 173 PS and 220 Nm of torque – also going to the front wheels through a CVT-type automatic.

Dynamics To Die For: 2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

Where the Civic is a more practical feeling car, at the end of the day we can’t run from the fact that Toyota has managed to excel in the departments of ride and handling. That’s not to say that the Civic is a slouch, but rather that Toyota’s TNGA platform which underpins many of their models is just that much more refined. It’s rare that a mass-market car can handle both tight and twisty sections of road as well as being completely comfortable on a daily commute, but that is one of the strengths of the Corolla.

Features, features, features: 2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

To make this a little easier, let’s just compare the top spec model of each car, which would be the Civic 1.5 TC-P, and the Corolla 1.8G. The Civic gets 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Corolla gets 17-inch alloy wheels – though this is more preference than value. Both models get automatic LED headlights, DRLs, and LED fog lights. Automatic wipers, keyless entry and start, an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and paddle shifters are all provided for with both cars. In fact, the only real difference between the two in terms of features is that you can remote start your Civic, but that’s really it.

Safety First: 2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

It’s great as well that both cars come with a whole host of active safety features. With the Honda Civic, you get Lane Watch as well as Honda Sensing – their overall safety package that includes Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, among many others. Toyota’s package with the Corolla mirrors this largely with each of the features, so it’s a dead heat here.

Which is for you?

As you can see, the two cars are pretty tied on a number of fronts. It really comes down to what you want – and you can’t deny that the Civic is the roomier, more powerful option here, for about the same amount of money. The Corolla possesses an edge on handling and ride quality, as well as a more versatile infotainment system.

So we leave the question to you. Which is your pick, and why? Leave your answer in the comments.


2015 Mazda 2: You've Met The Car, Now Meet Its Competition

At long last, the Mazda 2 Skyactiv has made its way onto our shores. With a price tag of RM 87,956 and an impressive spec sheet to back it up, the new Skyactiv entry from Mazda does appear to be a good choice for those looking to buy a B-segment hatchback. And for those who want a B-segment sedan, the
Mazda 2
 is available in that bodystyle as well.
However, the B-segment market is a highly contested arena and the Mazda 2 enters the market facing off against several competitors. We picked the worthy ones here and here’s how they stack up according to the two body styles introduced by Bermaz Motor.
Bear in mind, however, that this isn’t a flat-out drive comparison, but more of a list of other cars you should be looking at if you’re in the market for either a B-segment hatch or sedan. What conclusions we have been able to draw come purely from what’s on paper for each of these cars, and some experience of having driven a few of these cars individually.
2015 Mazda 2 Skyactiv Hatchback against the…
2014
Ford
 Fiesta 1.5L Sport
Priced at RM 87,001, the Fiesta had undergone a slight refresh in 2014 but still remains one of the sportiest hatchbacks money can buy. To go along with its reputation is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Ti-VCT engine producing lesser horsepower than the Mazda 2 (112 hp vs 114 hp), but more torque (170 Nm vs 148 Nm). If more power is what you need, a 1.0-litre EcoBoost model is available as well but you’ll have to pony up more than an extra RM 9,000 for it.
On the downside, the
Ford Fiesta
 isn’t as ‘well specified’ for features and equipment as the Mazda 2, especially when you consider that the Mazda comes standard fit with an MZD Connect infotainment unit, a Head-Up Display system, and so much more.
2014
Honda
 Jazz 1.5L i-VTEC
Up next is the
Honda Jazz
 which is by far one of the most ‘practical’ cars you can find today. Two words: ‘ULTRA,’ ‘Seats.’ As you can see in our
gallery here
, the Jazz has an impressive cargo carrying capacity for a vehicle its size. On the road, the
Jazz’s handling
 is another one of its advantages with a well-sorted chassis, making high speed cruising a casual affair.
If, however, you prefer a car that was built for performance, rather practicality, then look no further than the Mazda 2. Likewise, if you demand for more space than pace from your B-segment hatch, there’s nearly nothing better, in our minds, than the Jazz.
2014
Peugeot
 208 5-Door
Hailing from France, the 208
 comes with a price that undercuts all the above competitors. And it doesn’t skim on spec either. A full suite of safety systems, six airbags and an impressive infotainment system are just the few things that make the 208 a worthy purchase. The punchy 1.6-litre engine also delivers more power than the Mazda 2’s.
However, the Mazda is still to us the better driver’s car. The 208 has its perks cut out for you if you want the banging Arkamys audio system, fancy infotainment screen and cool features. If spirited driving isn’t your goal, the 208 would suit you just fine.

2015 Mazda 2 Skyactiv Sedan against the…
2014
Volkswagen
 Polo Sedan CKD
There’s a heftier price to pay for German engineering, so it seems. While the
Volkswagen Polo Sedan
 has itself a fair chance amongst the group of B-segment sedans, its appeal has aged amidst the dawn of the all-new Honda City, all-new Toyota Vios and now the Mazda 2. Local assembly of the Polo Sedan hasn’t helped its price undercut too much in the segment either, with even the CBU Mazda 2 being sold in Malaysia for just a tad under the Volkswagen.
The Polo Sedan drives well, is a handsome looker, and we’ve got no reservations about its quality. However, given its lengthy spell in the market, time has certainly taken its toll on the Polo’s appeal.
2014 Honda City 1.5L i-VTEC
As the current king of the hill, the Honda City is the number one rival for all looking to enter the B-segment sedan market. Spacious, well-specced, and all wrapped up in superior packaging, the City was one of the main reasons behind Honda Malaysia’s successful 2014.
However,
the City
 is not what many would consider a driver’s car. It does the everyday route beyond fantastically, but it just wasn’t designed to fascinate those with a passion for spirited driving. For function, the City wins, hands down. For form around a hairpin, all hail the Mazda 2.
Here, in the battle for B-segment sedan supremacy, it’s really your call: spirited driving with the spec to prove it, or everyday hero with more rear legroom than a Toyota Camry?
2014
Toyota
 Vios 1.5L
Timeless, that’s the word we’d used to place the
Vios
 into this comparison. Going with the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” principle, the Vios’ appeal has even
undergone a bit of a refresher
 in the local market: adding a few new features such as keyless operation and an Android-based infotainment system.
The same principle is personified in the powertrain as well. The familiar 1NZ-FE engine with a 1.5-litre displacement is paired to a simple 4-speed automatic transmission. The sheer simplicity of the powertrain equates to a reliable vehicle that’s been tried and tested over the years.


Honda Hits Half A Million Vehicles Sales Milestone In Malaysia

It’s a milestone for
Honda
 Malaysia Sdn Bhd as they have announced overall sales of vehicles have surpassed half a million in the Malaysian market.
“Since our establishment in Malaysia in year 2000, Honda Malaysia has grown steadily and has reached the accumulated sales of 500,000 units. It is inspiring to know that we have spread the joy of driving a Honda vehicle to 500,000 Malaysians. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all Honda customers for their belief in the Honda brand,” said Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia Mr. Yoichiro Ueno.
It was indeed a big year in 2015 for Honda Malaysia as they took on the compact SUV market with the introduction of the HR-V in February and thus far has sold more than 16,000 units.
Within that 500,000 mark, the
Honda Civic
 and
Honda City
 served as the top contributors with a total of 79,864 units (roughly 15 percent) and 209,056 units (roughly 40 percent) respectively. To cope with increased demand, Honda Malaysia is accelerating the expansion of the dealer network. Right now there are 86 dealers across the country, in both cities and suburban areas.
Honda is also strengthening its operations and presence in East Malaysia. In June this year, the Company has established a new Logistics Hub in both Sabah and Sarawak. This month, Honda also opened its new Regional Office in Kota Kinabalu. These expansions will support Honda dealers’ operational activities and the vehicles delivery process in East Malaysia.
The sales unit of Honda Malaysia from January through October was 74,920 units. The company also received its record-high bookings of 12,713 units in the month of October. Honda Malaysia is on track in achieving its annual target of 85,000 units and is continuing to lead in the Non-National Segment.
Mr. Ueno added, “With this milestone of half a million sales, Honda Malaysia will continue our effort to achieve our goal to be a company that the society wants it to exist, with the support from our valued customers as well as Malaysian Government and business partners. Customer satisfaction will always remain as our top priority. We will continue working towards providing our customers with products that offer excellent value and excitement and strive to be the most beloved brand in Malaysia.”


This Koenigsegg Utagera Is Designed By A 15-Year Old Prodigy From Thailand

Jennarong Muengtaweepongsa is only 15 years old, but unlike other 15-year olds, his sketches on cars have already gotten the attention of Jaguar, Aston Martin, Koenigsegg, and have been recognised by Walter De Silva (formerly with Volkswagen Group) and Giorgetto Giugiaro (Italdesign Giugiaro).
The Koenigsegg Utagera concept seen here exists only as a scale model, and is the Jennarong’s second project with Koenigsegg after completing a digital render for the Koenigsegg Legera.
Jennarong’s work on the Legera must have been very well received by Koenigsegg, as the company had commissioned California’s N2A Motors to produce a physical model of the Utagera, making it the first of Jennarong’s work to be translated into a physical model.
According to the press materials released by Jennarong’s company Vanatical Design, the Utagera is an interpretation and vision of the replacement to the Agera, a less extreme model that slots below the Regera. The word 'Utagera' translates from swedish into 'Terminate' following the terminology of the previous names - 'Agera' meaning 'To Act' and 'Regera' meaning 'To Rule them all'.
The design focuses on being less extreme and aggressive compared to the Regera, to instead be smooth and elegant. An envisioned powertrain for the car would be similar to the one currently seen in the Agera, a turbocharged V8 engine with an estimated 900-1000 horsepower.
The model was presented at the recent 2015 Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok.
Jennarong's other works include the Aston Martin DB11 Concept, PSC Motors SP-200 SIN, and Jaguar 'Envision' XK.
Special thanks to NST-CBT/
motorme.my
’s Vishal for the tip.


The Fate of the Furious Sees Dom Turn on His Family

 It’s here, it’s finally here. The trailer for The Fate of the Furious dropped over the weekend, and it takes the franchise on a completely different path. For all the “one last ride”(s), it seems that Dom is taking this next “last ride” on his own- and he’s going against his team, no less.
The Fast and Furious movies have taken us all over the world, showing the diversity in car culture across countries and continents. Fans will always have their favourites, be it the fast-paced Tokyo Drift, or the more laid-back Fast Five, but no matter which of the movies you prefer there is always excitement when a new instalment comes to cinemas.
Some have criticized the movie franchise for diverging from its original underground car culture and street racing roots, but the plot devices in play help a great deal in advancing the storyline and allowing the characters to grow and develop.
With the departure of the Brian O’Connor character following Paul Walker’s passing, the series won’t quite be the same without the JDM vs muscle car rivalry between O’Connor and Toretto, but the action promises to be just as exciting.
As always, this latest instalment seems to feature an eclectic range of cars, from muscle cars to imports and exotic cars as well. The team seems to go from the city streets to snow-covered landscapes in the pursuit of Dom, and some notable characters from the previous instalment return as well. The Fate of the Furious will come to theatres in 2017, and we can hardly wait.