2021 Mazda 2 Will Come With SKYACTIV-X Tech

New Mazda 2 expected to be unveiled by the end of the year.

At one point, the fourth-generation Mazda 2 was all the rage in Malaysia. It was a supermini that offered great driving dynamics, style and good build quality from RM88k.

In 2020 the
facelifted version
 saw a price hike of RM16k for the little Mazda hatchback, and that hike in price pretty much killed the attractiveness of the car as it was just deemed too high of a price for a small Japanese hatchback.

Since then, the car's demand in Malaysia has pretty much dwindled, but maybe the next-generation Mazda 2 will perk things up once again, because it sounds like Mazda are going all techy with the Mazda 2, even going as far as including some Mazda
SkyActiv-X
 tech under the bonnet.

According to reputable Japanese automotive portal, Best Car Web, the next Mazda 2 will be powered by Mazda's SkyActiv-X technology, this time in the form of a tiny 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, which promises to be both frugal and fun.

Reserved for the highest specification Mazda 2, the SKYACTIV-X engine will also supposedly be paired to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which promises to make it one heck of a drivetrain for the Mazda 2. This does sound quite techy and expensive, which is why it has been suggested that a conventional petrol powertrain is planned for the lower variants.

Design-wise, we expect the Mazda 2 hatchback to borrow some styling cues from the
Mazda 3 Hatchback/Liftback
, and the same applies to the sedan. If the Mazda 2 Hatchback follows the Mazda 3's style, then perhaps we will see a very stylish super little mini coming out of Mazda in the near future.

It's been touted that a reveal will happen by September 2021 and we can't wait to see what the Hiroshima based company will unveil.

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

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

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


Proton Records Best Sales Performance In 46 Months

Driven by strong demand for the Proton X70, Persona, Iriz, and Saga, Proton’s upward momentum continued through May, with a total of 10,611 units sold.
The highpoint marks an increase in the overall sales for the first five months of the year to over 70% compared to the same period in 2018. Market share for Proton is estimated to be at 17.2%, making another high point for the company.
Below is the breakdown of the 10,611 units sold by Proton for the month of May:
Proton Saga – 3,610 units
Proton Persona – 2,972 units
Proton X70 – 2,439 units
Proton Iriz – 940 units
The remaining 650 units are made out of the Preve, Exora, Perdana, and Ertiga.
Proton’s best-selling model last month was the Saga, with sales surpassing 3,000 units for the second month in a row. With 3,610 units sold, sales of the Proton Saga have increased by 41% in the first five months of the year. In an effort to continue the strong momentum, Proton will be introducing an updated Saga within the second half of the year.
As for the company’s recently-updated B-segment duo, the Iriz and Persona, both models also did fairly well in terms of sales. Demand for both models continues to grow, as Proton has received well over 10,000 bookings thus far.
Last but certainly not the least is the X70 which Proton sold 2,439 units of in May, and 13,572 units have been delivered in the first five months of the year.
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton said, “With a 70% increase in sales volume thus far in 2019, Proton is reaping some early rewards for its investment in products, people, and sales outlets. The Company is hopeful of finishing second overall in total sales for a second consecutive month when overall industry sales figures are revealed by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) and we are confident of being able to maintain our strong sales performance for the rest of the year.”
Looking for a new Proton? Find for the best deals
here
.


Largest BMW M Gathering in Malaysia Happened On Malaysia Day

BMW Group Malaysia
 together with the
M Owners Community
 took over LaLaPort Bukit Bintang City Centre on
Malaysia Day
 last Friday, September 16, 2022.

In conjunction with Malaysia Day as well as the 50th anniversary of M aka "The Most Powerful Letter in the World", close to 150 BMW M cars of all shapes and sizes across five decades gathered under one roof for a spectacular showcase of the brand's sexiest M models in the country.

Biggest M Gathering in Malaysia to date

While the numbers are yet to be confirmed, we were told that the BMW M Gathering last Friday on Malaysia Day was the biggest of its kind in Malaysia. The M Owners Community had some big gatherings before, but the Malaysia Day celebrations really took it up a few notches.

Close to 150 BMW M cars registered for the '
largest M Gathering' in Malaysia
, and if the numbers are true, it'll also be the largest BMW M gathering in Southeast Asia. That's quite a feat to be pulled off by the passionate M Owners Community, especially on a public holiday.

Awards for the best ///M cars

All the cars that were present were also judged in the running to win some prizes and awards for the Best ///M Modded, Best ///M Wrapped, Best///M Wheels, and Best ///M Original.

Considering the number of BMW M cars that were in the vicinity that day, it was quite a task to accomplish by the CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Hans de Visser, M Owners Community founder, Andrew Lim, and the rest of the judges.

Members of the public also participated in the "Crowd Favourite" category where their votes were cast using a link via a QR code posted at the event space. It's a tough call, but somebody had to do it and those who were present that day were all winners in our books.


Toyota Is Coming To Goodwood In Full Force For 2019

Last year's Goodwood was one to remember as Toyota brought out their A90 Supra, albeit wrapped in some choice camouflage. The enthusiast-driven event, known for a variety of attractions from a short hillclimb to rally stages and parades, was the perfect place to preview one of their most anticipated sports cars of recent Toyota history. This weekend, they're returning to Goodwood in full force.
For one, the A90 Supra has been revealed in its entirety, and engineer-cum-automotive-celebrity Tetsuya Tada will be driving the regular road going version. In addition to this, there will also be the GR Supra GT4 Concept that will be fighting its way up Lord Wood's incredibly challenging driveway as part of the hillclimb, showing the world what 'affordable' GT4 racing could look like in the coming months and years.
On the counter-culture end of things is a tie-up with HKS in the form of the GR Supra Drift that will debut at the Live Action Arena. With Nobuteru Taniguchi behind the wheel, and HKS goodies thrown in to push the car to 700 hp, it's sure to be a smoke-filled show. And yes, the HKS Supra swapped out the more modern and reliable B58 turbocharged 3.0-litre inline 6 engine from BMW in favour of the tried and tested 2JZ - it's what they know well, and reliability is important for competition.
As for the static displays, they certainly won't disappoint. Toyota's LMP-winning hybrid racecar, the TS050 Hybrid, will be at the official Toyota stand, as will the specially developed Hilux that took home the win during this year's Dakar Rally. There will even be the same GR Supra that Akio Toyoda raced in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring just a few weeks back, complete with unrepaired body damage sustained during the race, and many more historic Toyota race and rally cars.
For the best deals on Toyota models, click
here
.


VIDEO: Meet The World’s Fastest Accelerating Nissan GT-R, The Alpha Omega

The R35
Nissan

GT-R
 has been a favoured canvas for tuners to have free rein over how much performance they want or dare to extract from it. It can even
outrun a hyperbike
. AMS Performance is no stranger to this car, and recently they have set a quarter-mile drag record in their most extreme creation, the Alpha Omega GT-R.
While it has been said that no other car bullies a road quite like a GT-R, the Alpha Omega from AMS simply vaporizes it, setting a quarter mile run at just 7.48 seconds at 192.97mph (310.55km/h). The video below of it launching off the line highlights its brutality, all its power and torque lifting both front tyres off the ground.
How much power? Well, AMS hasn’t disclosed that exact figure. However, we’re sure you’ll agree, as we have, that it’s more than adequate. Enough for it to reach 100km/h from a standstill in just 1.49 seconds.
While AMS Performance is known for offering it’s aftermarket components that both transform stock GT-Rs into true tarmac shredding beasts while not compromising it’s street-use ability (comfort), we figure the Alpha Omega is a purely track focused machine. Despite this, it does retain the stock interior with leather upholstery and even the Bose sound system.


Post-GST: BMW Malaysia Announces New Price List That Sees No Changes To Its Pricing

BMW Malaysia released its new price list effective April 1st, 2015 that sees no changes to the pricing of its models following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) a few days ago.
Models like the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and many others retain their original post-GST pricing so if you were hoping to purchase a BMW for cheaper, you're out of luck there.
(click to view larger)


Leaked: 2016 All-New Proton Saga – First Set Of Undisguised Images

Just a few hours after we shared a picture showing an
uncovered/undisguised rear
 of the upcoming all-new Proton Saga, another set of images, this time showing both the front and rear of the car, surfaced on Proton Saga Community’s Facebook group.
The general profile of the car, especially the A-pillars, suggests that the all-new Proton Saga is a built on a further development of the outgoing Proton Saga’s platform.
The all-new Proton Saga is expected to go on sale within the next two months, and will be competing against the recently launched
Perodua Bezza
.
Here's how the current (outgoing) Proton Saga and Persona are priced against the Perodua Bezza.
Thanks to
Aufofreaks.com
 for the tip.


2015 BMW M3 Sedan LCI Facelift Unveiled: Improved Visuals, Familiar M Performance

BMW
 recently introduced the
refreshed 2015 BMW 3 Series LCI
 (Life Cycle Impulse) and as part of the line-up, the
BMW M3
 Sedan also gains a bump in visuals as well.
Where the variants below the M3 LCI gain new engines on top of the visual enhancements, the four-door super saloon retains its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine with the 431hp and 550Nm of torque it produces.
However, the visual changes aren’t substantial and can be considered mild at least. At the rear are full-LED tail lamps and buyers can now select from four BMW Individual metallic body colours – Smoked Topaz, Champagne Quartz, Tanzanite Blue, and Azurite Schwarz.
Inside, there are improved quality chrome highlights and BMW’s latest Navigation system Professional with LTE multimedia unit is installed as well.


All-New Perodua Myvi Outperforms 2018 All-New Toyota Vios In Crash Test Assessment

ASEAN NCAP has just announced the latest NCAP results for the all-new Toyota Vios. The new generation Vios (also known as Toyota Yaris Ativ in Thailand) has accumulated an overall score of 81.63, and is eligible for a 5-star rating. Interestingly, this score, while impressive enough, is actually lower than the
all-new Perodua Myvi, scoring 88.27 points
, thanks to its fitment of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) feature, which was not available in the Vios.
The Toyota Vios was first car to be tested by ASEAN NCAP, when the organization’s PC3 crash lab was established in 2012. At that time, the Vios (an earlier NCP93 generation model) was given a 4-star rating for AOP (adult occupant protection) and 2-star for COP (child occupant protection) category.
This all-new Toyota Vios seen here is the third vehicle to be tested under the new 2017-2020 protocol, which is now stricter and fitment of SAT (Safety Assist Technologies) features like passenger seatbelt reminders and electronic stability control add to a points tally rather than as a pre-requisite to a 5-star rating. The other models tested under this new test protocol are the
all-new Honda CR-V
 and aforementioned Perodua Myvi.
The Toyota Vios 1.5 model used in the test is a Thailand-made
right-hand drive unit destined for Singapore
. It is fitted with 7 airbags and electronic stability control. Both the Perodua Myvi and Toyota Vios were tested at the Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI). Looking at the comparison table above, we can see where the deficits are in the all-new Toyota Vios versus the all-new Perodua Myvi.
The scores in the Safety Assist Technologies (SAT) shows how far ahead Perodua has equipped the Myvi with. The fitment of rear seatbelt reminders across all variants and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in 1.5AV contributes to the higher score in the Myvi. Both of these features are not available in the new Toyota Vios, impacting its accumulation of 11 points versus 15 in the new Myvi.
While we commend Perodua for introducing AEB (marketed by Perodua as ASA, Advanced Safety Assist) in the lower segments, consumers should be aware
 that it has its limitations
and drivers must still be fully aware of the traffic surroundings when driving. Perodua’s low cost AEB function has a much lower speed range (only up to 30 km/h) and is unable to detect pedestrians and motorcyclist, compared to more sophisticated AEB solutions adopted by other leading brands.
Toyota is expected to introduce their suite of advanced driving assistance systems called the Toyota Safety Sense P, beginning next year with the all-new Toyota Harrier turbo.
For more information on the new scoring details, please visit
our in-depth article here
.


Tokyo 2017: Nissan To Unveil 2018 Serena Nismo MPV

Nissan Motors will showcase the Nismo version of its Nissan Serena MPV at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show 2017.
The fifth-generation Nissan Serena which
went on sale in Japan
 in August of last year boasting enhanced practicality, greater cabin space and the company’s ‘ProPilot’ driver assistance technology.
The Serena Nismo is fitted with performance orientated styling parts - such as the redesigned front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper that deliver a sporty outlook of the otherwise practical people-hauler.
Along the flanks, snazzy gloss black five-spoke wheels also fill the wheel arches. Nismo’s signature red accents will also dress-up the interior of the Serena.
The Serena Nismo also promises better handling, thanks to a sport-tuned suspension system. A new engine control module and exhaust system are claimed to sharpen the overall driving experience.
The Japanese market Serena S-Hybrid is powered direct-injected 'MR20DD' inline-four which has been carried over from the fourth-generation model (currently on sale in Malaysia), albeit with some tweaking for better fuel consumption. The engine is mated to Nissan's X-Tronic continuously variable transmission.
The Serena Nismo is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in November 2017.


New York 2018: All-New Toyota Corolla Interior Revealed

Although Toyota did reveal the all-new Toyota Corolla hatchback/Auris at the recent Geneva Motor Show, the car at the stand was fitted with blacked-out glass and no interior images were shared.
The 2016 Auris and ASEAN Corolla Altis share the same instrument panel, thus, while the exterior of the all-new USA/European hatchback does not have any importance to us here in the ASEAN, the interior is of big interest.
Toyota USA will be launching the all-new Corolla hatchback at next week’s New York International Auto Show. More information of the all-new Toyota Auris built on TNGA C-platform can be found in our
brief report here
.
The design of the all-new Corolla hatchback’s instrument panel does not stray away from the traditional Toyota design.  At the centre of the dashboard is a free-standing high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay connectivity. XSE variant (the top of the range) can be fitted with a JBL Clari-Fi premium audio system with 8 speakers and an 800 Watt amplifier.
XSE variant also comes standard with a 7-inch TFT multi-information display in the meter binnacle, placed between the physical engine tachometer, fuel, and temperature gauges.
Other notable features in the interior include electric parking brake with hold function, sports-type front seats, and the lack of rear air-conditioning vents.
The all-new Toyota Corolla hatchback will be equipped with the
all-new Dynamic Force Engine 2.0-litre with two transmission choices
, a six-speed intelligent manual transmission with rev-matching control or a 10-speed Dynamic-Shift CVT.
Much attention was paid to the dynamic handling of the all-new Corolla. Suspension geometry, damper settings, and even the suspension arm placements have all been optimized to provide an uncanny blend of balance, composure, and drive that is engaging.
Standard safety features in the all-new Corolla hatchback include Toyota’s suite of advanced driving assistance system which consists of Pre-Collision System, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and Lane Tracing Assist which keeps the vehicle in the intended lane.
Toyota USA will begin sales of the all-new Corolla hatchback in summer. Closer to home, the ASEAN Toyota Corolla Altis only went through a
styling refresh recently
, thus we do not expect the all-new model to arrive until 2019.


Meet The Ford Ranger Special Edition, Yours For RM108.2k

Sime Darby Auto Connexion has launched a new variant for the
Ford

Ranger
 pick-up truck called the Special Edition, and with it adds some premium touches to justify the moniker.
Crucially, it adds a full leather interior, a 7-inch centre-mounted dashboard touchscreen with reverse camera and a stylish black sports bar to replace the more pronounced chromed alternative found in the other models.
Apart from that, Ranger Special Edition looks to be pretty much unchanged from the other models, particularly the 2.2 XLT 4x4 Automatic. Under the hood sits the familiar 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with 150hp and 375Nm of torque.
The Ranger Special Edition also comes in two unique colours: Black Mica and True Red.


New Renault Koleos Launched In Malaysia – Available With Renault Subscription, From RM180k

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that the updated Renault Koleos is officially launched.

The new Renault Koleos is available in two variants:

Koleos – RM179,888

Koleos Signature – RM189,888

The new exterior design now makes for a more aggressive and muscular look, with Renault’s Pure Vision LED headlamps available on both variants.

Other key enhancements to the new Renault Koleos include:

New front bumper with full-width chrome detailing that extends all the way to the fog lamps on each side with two-tone finishing

New rear bumper that benefits from additional chrome trims and two-tone finishing

New colour options of Amethyst Black, Millesime Red and Ultra Silver in addition to the existing Universal White and Black Metallic colours

New 19-inch alloy wheels for Koleos Signature and 18-inch alloy wheels for the Koleos variant

Both variants are now equipped with the convenient hands-free power tailgate which is height adjustable according to individual needs

Equipped with smartphone replication feature through the 8.7-inch R-LINK2 multimedia system that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto

Rear passenger seats with a two-step adjustable seat configuration for enhanced comfort

Electric panoramic sunroof that adds a premium touch while enhancing in-cabin ambience (for Koleos Signature only)

Power seats for both the driver and front passengers

Under the hood, the new Koleos continues to be powered by the same 2.5-litre petrol engine as before, mated to an X-Tronic CVT transmission, with an output of 171 PS and peak torque of 226Nm.

That being said, customers who make bookings in November will enjoy trade-in rewards, along with a free services package for five years 100,000km (whichever comes first).

Those who prefer not to commit to lengthy hire-purchase tenures or concerns about depreciation costs have an alternative option to vehicle ownership through Renault Subscription. This unique Subscription model offers two available plans – the Fixed Plan or the Switch Plan.

The Fixed Plan offers customers the freedom to drive the new Koleos for durations of one to two years from as low as RM2,299 per month without having to bother about additional costs for road tax, insurance and regular servicing.

Those who do not require a large SUV on a day-to-day basis can still experience the new Koleos by choosing the Switch Plan.

This option offers the Renault Captur crossover as the base model with the flexibility to swap to the new Koleos from as low as RM1,999 per month.

Better yet, TCEC has recently added the All-new MEGANE R.S. 280 Cup to the line-up so customers on the Switch Plan can also enjoy the experience of driving a high-performance sports hatch within their Subscription period.


Spyshot: All-New Nissan Terra Caught In Thailand

Nissan is set to introduce its latest body-on-frame SUV in China later this year. The new model is called the
Nissan Terra
 and the model is based on the same platform as the NP300 Navara.
Thanks to the folks over at
Headlightmag forum
, it appears that Nissan Thailand is looking to introduce the new Terra as well, indicated by this spyshot.
The test mule pictured was wearing heavy camouflage, though the rear silhouette is unmistakably a Terra. Curiously, the Terra was caught wearing a number plate frame with the words “The Spirit Of Competition”, a slogan that was used by Mitsubishi in the past.
In terms of powertrain, the China model Nissan Terra is said to be powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that outputs 184 hp.
To recap, the Nissan Terra is Nissan’s newest entry into the LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) segment, aimed to challenge the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.


Worst seasonal flooding could happen within next few days, expert says

Within the next few days (3 to be exact), Malaysia could see some significantly more severe rainfall brought on by the La Nina monsoon winds and the negative Ocean Dipole phenomena (IOD).

According to Professor Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah, meteorological expert at the National Antarctica Research Centre, the
usual monsoon rains
 are further amplified by these erratic weather occurrences, as reported by
Sinar Harian
.

This could result in worse outcomes for flood prone areas compared to late 2021, but especially in areas of Pahang, Perak, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Dr Azizan adds that global forecast models predict heavy rains from the night December 13th.

That said, Azizan does also say that clear weather should be expected for the eastern coast-facing states of Peninsula Malaysia by “early 2023”, but notes that the worse weather is due to hit Sabah and Sarawak during the months of January and February as the north-east monsoon heads further south.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has also issued an advisory about this week’s predicted weather impacting the parts of Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan with incessant rainfall that could last as far as 20th December.

The La Nina and negative IOD phenomena is expected to subside by the end of the year as well, which should bring some relief to those of us living in Peninsula Malaysia as the flash floods were a common occurrence even months into 2022.

Stay safe out there, everyone! Also
special perils insurance is a pretty good idea
.


Two TailG EV bikes enter the Malaysian market - From RM9,000

Ni Hsin EV Tech
 (NH EV Tech) has officially unveiled its first two EV motorcycle models here in Malaysia - the TailG Ebixon Bold and TailG Ebixon Torq.

Marketed for personal and commercial uses respectively, the TailG Ebixon EV bikes are also locally assembled at the company's very own manufacturing facilities located in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Price-wise, you're looking at RM9,000 for the Bold and RM14,888 for the Torq.

First deliveries to begin in Q1 2023

Pre-orders have already begun for both the TailG Ebixon EV bikes and the company expects the first batch to be delivered successfully within the first quarter of 2023. They also have big plans to deliver over 15,000 units every year for the next three years in the Asia Pacific region.

Starting with the TailG Ebixon Bold model for personal use, this all-electric bike has the capability to travel up to 120km per charge with a top speed of 70km/h. Its 72V electric motor is able to generate 1.5kW of power and 35Nm of torque which is paired to a couple of 77V/22Ah lithium batteries weighing in at 11kg each.

The best part about the batteries is that they are removable and swappable so that you can conveniently charge it at home using its off-board charger with a 3-pin plug or head to the company's swappable battery station which will be set up in the future.

Other specs include a front 13-inch tyre (130/60), rear 12-inch tyre (120/70), dual disc brakes, telescopic front fork, rear spring coil suspension, and more. For you city dwellers, the TailG Ebixon Bold is priced at RM9,000 (excluding insurance, road tax, and registration).

TailG Ebixon Torq - RM14,888

For commercial use like businesses and deliveries, the TailG Ebixon Torq might float your boat with its more utilitarian design and longer riding range. Its 72V brushless electric motor is able to produce 5kW and 74Nm of torque, which allows it to hit a top speed of 90km/h.

Riding distance is extended to 200km thanks to its set of twin 72V/50Ah lithium batteries that can be charged with the same off-board charger using the 3-pin plug (2-8 hours to fully charge) or swapped later in the future at the brand's battery swapping station.

Other specs are more or less the same as the TailG Ebixon Bold model, apart from having 12-inch tyres front and rear as well as a rack to mount any box or bag for delivery purposes. The price tag for this baby is set at RM14,888 (excluding insurance, road tax, and registration).


CKD Nissan NV350 Urvan To Be Introduced in Malaysia Soon

Tan Chong Motor Holdings (TCMH) recently held a Q1 '18 performance briefing with key business analysts and fund managers. It is reported that a program to locally-assemble (CKD) the 14-seater Nissan NV350 Urvan is in the pipeline.
The current generation
facelifted NV350 Urvan 2.5D is imported from Japan
, retailing at a price of RM125,000 (with 6% GST). With the vehicle meeting MAI’s fuel efficiency target, the NV350 Urvan is certified as an EEV model and thus should benefit from MAI’s incentives for local-assembly which ultimately translate to lower retail price for consumers.
We suspect the CKD program of the NV350 Urvan will still be assembled at either Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) plant in Segambut or Serendah. The recent announcement of TCMH planning a new automotive hub in Bagan Datuk, Perak that caters to commercial vehicles might tie-in with this NV350 Urvan model, but this new plant is designed for assembly of heavy commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks, and will only commence operations in 2021.
TCMA currently assembles the smaller NV200 1.6 panel van at their Serendah plant, while the previous generation Urvan 3.0D (E25) was assembled in Segambut plant until early 2015.
The company also mentioned that it will only reveal more details of this Bagan Datuk plant in the second half of the year.


Adrenaline Rush Track Day 2023 is happening this weekend - July 15th - at SIC!

Utama Motors Sdn. Bhd., a well-known distributor of luxury imported vehicles in the country, are sponsoring the highly anticipated Adrenaline Rush Track Day 2023 (ART Day 2023).

The press conference took place last week at their Jalan Ampang showroom and was attended by co-organizers, sponsors, mainstream media, influencers, bloggers, and special guests. Utama Motors received support for the event from the Persatuan Pengimport & Peniaga Kenderaan Melayu Malaysia (PEKEMA).

ART Day 2023, organized for the first time by the U-Supercars Club, will take place on July 15, 2023, at the North Paddock of the Sepang International Circuit. Speaking at the press conference, Dato’ Marof Khan bin Mohamed Idris, the Managing Director of Utama Motors, expressed his excitement about being involved in ART Day 2023, which will showcase a wide range of supercars and sports cars.

Dato’ Marof Khan emphasized that the event will host the largest gathering of supercars and sports cars ever seen in the country, with over 400 owners participating in the parade. This achievement will be recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records. Additionally, more than 200 Harley Davidsons will join the parade of ART Day 2023.

Dato’ Marof Khan stated, "As a company, we not only distribute cars but also offer high-performance motorcycles through our subsidiary, FS Bikes, such as Harley Davidson." This statement highlighted their commitment to both industries. Utama Motors' involvement in the import vehicle industry has enabled them to build strong relationships with the supercar and motorcycle owner community, and their unwavering support has played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the upcoming event.

Besides Utama Motors, ART Day 2023 is co-sponsored by Liberty Insurance, EZCare Warranty, PEKEMA Auto Club, Warranty Smart, Elrah Exclusive, Kacey Legacy, Optimum Premium Motors (OPM), and Drex Precision Services.

The event also receives support from SMI Cars, FS Bikes, Carlist.my, Malaysia Singapore Supercar Club, Mustang Club Malaysia, Northern Speedo, TerMeetup Club, Majlis Belia Malaysia, and SUKE TV, which serves as the official media partner.

In addition to the parade, ART Day 2023 will include a Time Attack event, providing an opportunity for supercar, sports car, and Harley Davidson owners to experience the track and test their vehicles' durability. Interested participants can register for the parade or Time Attack events by calling 017-4619985 or emailing u.supercarsclub@yahoo.com.

The parade entry fee for supercars and sports cars is as low as RM120, while for Harley Davidson, it is RM150, which includes a t-shirt and dinner. The Time Attack entry fee for supercars and sports cars is RM800, including a t-shirt and dinner, and for Harley Davidson, it is RM380, also including a t-shirt and dinner.

Participants in the Time Attack event will have the chance to win prizes worth nearly RM80 thousand, including cash, trophies, and cash vouchers from Utama Motors & FS Bikes. Moreover, ART Day 2023, open to the public, will feature lucky draw activities with prizes such as motorcycle helmets, exclusive Harley Davidson shirts, and more for visitors attending the event.

Apart from the impressive display of supercars, sports cars, and Harley Davidsons, the event will also showcase stage performances by local artists. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of local and international dishes served by 20 food truck operators. Tickets for ART Day 2023 are available for purchase at www.ticket2u.com.my, with prices set at RM29 for adults and RM14 for children.


Singapore 2018: All-New Volvo XC40 Arrives in Asean

The highly anticipated new Volvo XC40 has arrived in Asean. Wearnes Automotive, the distributor for Volvo vehicles in Singapore, has just launched the new Volvo XC40 at the Singapore Motorshow.
The Volvo XC40 will pop up on the shopping radar of buyers looking for premium compact SUVs such as Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA as well as Infiniti Q30.
Taking centre stage is the XC40 R-Design. This design package is focused on expressing the sporty soul of the XC40. A glossy black colour theme dominates the upper half of the SUV's exterior (black pillars, roof, roof rails, side mirrors) while nappa and nubuck leather combination upholstery covers the seating surface.
Other interior fittings specific to R-Design include foot pedals, black headlining, aluminium door inlays together with perforations on the steering wheel and shift lever. The orange highlights, called Lava Carpeting, are seen in the door panels and floor carpet and have a rich, bold colour that perfectly expresses the youthful character of the XC40.
The interior of the Volvo XC40 follows on from that of the XC90 and XC60, including the minimalist-looking dashboard. Storage spaces are abundant, with the storage bin under the front centre armrest large enough to hold a small handbag or even a full-sized tissue box, with a removable storage box ahead of it.
The Volvo XC40 also gets a dedicated wireless phone charging space, hooks for small bags or takeaway food and large door bins. Globally, the XC40 is offered with two engines, with D4 and T5 designations. Both engines deliver drive to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The T5 AWD we have here is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, generating one of the highest outputs in its class at 247 hp. Pricing is unavailable at the moment, but it should be within range of its segment rivals, circa SGD 190,000.
Volvo Malaysia has also added the XC40 with key information at their local website, thus we can expect a launch in near future.


Spoil Your Dad: The Ultimate Father's Day Gift - RM500k & Above

Got an extreme amount of money to splurge on your dad this 2021 Father's Day? Then perhaps these rare exotic vehicles will put a smile on his face.

While most of us can only dream of giving our fathers a present worth north of RM500k, it is a reality for a small group of individuals. But hey, who says dreams can't come true, so let's dream on and pick out some of the best gifts we can give our dads this 2021 Father's Day that is above RM500,000.

Arch KRGT-1

For movie buffs, Keanu Reeves will always be known as the guy who defused a bomb on a moving bus or the guy that took the red pill in the Matrix. For motorbike enthusiasts, Keanu Reeves is also known as the guy who part founded Arch Motorcycles.

For those who do not know who or what Arch Motorcycles is, we don't blame you because it's more of a two-wheeler thing than a four-wheeler thing.

Arch Motorcycles is a motorbike company founded by Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger in 2011. It was created on the idea of redefining the American performance cruiser. Today ARCH Motorcycle delivers motorcycles through an obsession for innovative design, engineering excellence, and dedication to the rider, which is why they are highly regarded.

One of these motorcycles is the Arch KRGT-1. The performance cruiser features bespoke Ohlins/ ARCH suspension front and rear, coupled with BST carbon wheels which reduce unsprung mass. These elements work as part of a chassis architecture developed to deliver incredible feedback and control. An all-new ARCH/ Bosch ABS is standard, working with ISR radial callipers for optimum response and safety. The 124ci S&S V-Twin engine is tuned to deliver high torque on demand with enhanced performance through a unique ARCH downdraft breathing system incorporated between the stunning billet aluminum tank halves.

Sounds fancy? Well, the price is too. Premium motorbike dealer World Of Motions in Puchong sells them for around RM600k.

Porsche 993 Turbo

Arguably the prettiest generation of
Porsche 911
, the 993 was the last air-cooled Porsche to come out of Stuttgart. Produced between 1994 and 1998, the Porsche 993 was given a
turbo
 in 1995, which instantly upgraded it into the category of widowmaker, which is primarily reserved for bonkers Porsche builts.

The 993 was also the first Porsche 911 to receive a six-speed manual transmission and also the first Porsche to be equipped with an all-wheel-drive system. The 402bhp and 540Nm produced by its 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat-six still sounds eargasmic today but imagine those figures back in the days, when email and the internet were just starting out.

For a cool RM880k, you can buy one for your dad from Malaysia's Sports And Classic Cars Center, JT CARS. It's only got 40k on the clock and seems to be in excellent condition.

Lamborghini Aventador S

If you're looking for bragging rights on Father's Day, then one of the most expensive cars on Carlist.my should do the trick. The Lamborghini Aventador S is
listed
 on Carlist.my for a whopping RM2mil, but if you put it into context, that's an RM1.3million saving over a new one, especially if you don't mind it being three years old. Old or new, it's still a Lamborghini.

With the
Aventador S
, there are many technological advancements incorporated by Lamborghini to keep the car relevant and exciting to drive as the goalposts continue to shift. In particular, the four-wheel-drive system has been a mainstay for Lamborghini products over the last two decades or so, and this newest iteration in the Aventador S is no doubt even quicker and more intuitive than ever.

The active suspension also allows for better body control without compromising ride comfort, and it works well to keep it planted. Power from the 6.5-litre V12 has also been improved from 700hp to 740hp, with 690Nm of torque from 5,500 rpm to a redline of 8,500 rpm. While these changes are as you would expect with a facelift for a performance car, the systems mentioned above helps transform the Aventador S into an entirely different kind of animal.

Aston Martin DBX

If your dad has a bad back, then a low down supercar might not be his cup of tea, so how about a high up supercar. Let us introduce to you the
Aston Martin DBX
, one of the finest supercars on stilts. If your Dad reckons that the Aston Martin SUV is not a supercar, throw him some of these claims.

According to Aston Martin, the DBX has delivered cornering speeds which are on par with the Vantage, while achieving braking figures greater than the marque's Super GT, DBS Superleggera. The DBX has also been achieving sub-8-minute lap times around the Nordschleife regularly.

In case your Dad is wondering how powerful it is, it is powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine as the Vantage and DB11, producing 550PS and 700Nm of torque. Top speed of the DBX is said to exceed 290 km/h. The best bit about the DBX however is the sound it makes.

The DBX's exhaust system, which has been tuned to reflect a deep bass with increasing mid-tones, creates a very sporty note, particularly in more sporting drive modes, it is one of the loveliest sounds we have ever heard, so if Dad ever wants to wake his grandchildren up, all he needs to do is bring his DBX around- that is if you buy it for him of course. It's only
RM1,999,999
 on Carlist.

But if you're not looking for cars as expensive as the ones mentioned above and are on a bit more of a budget then we also have some sub-50k options
here
 and some sub-RM200k options
here
.

Happy gifting!

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

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

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

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


Waranti Kotak Gear Proton X70 CBU Dilanjutkan Kepada 5 Tahun, Tanpa Had Jarak Perjalanan

Benarkah kotak gear
Proton X70
 bermasalah? Kalau ikut logik, dalam beribu kereta dihasilkan pasti ada yang bermasalah. Tetapi kenapa waranti kotak gear Proton X70 CBU dan
CKD
 berlainan?

Barisan terawal Proton X70 merupakan unit
CBU
, iaitu unit yang diimport sepenuhnya dari China dengan harga bermula RM99,800 hingga RM123,800. Model tersebut dilancarkan pada 12 Disember 2018 di KLCC.

Model X70 CKD atau pemasangan tempatan pula diperkenalkan pada 12 Februari 2020 bagi menggantikan model CBU terdahulu dengan harga yang lebih murah, iaitu dari RM94,800 hingga RM122,800.

Walau bagaimanapun, ramai pemilik X70 telah menyuarakan rintihan dan luahan tidak puas hati terhadap pengeluar automotif nasional itu sejak akhir-akhir ini ekoran masalah kotak gear yang sering tersengguk (
jerking
).

Melalui pemerhatian yang dilakukan di group Facebook pemilik X70, rata-rata pengguna X70 versi CBU mengalami masalah sama, iaitu transmisi yang bergetar dan tersekat-sekat apabila kereta diperlahankan ke gear 4 tanpa menekan brek. Namun beberapa pengguna memberitahu mereka telah membawa isu ini kepada pusat servis Proton, namun isu jerking dikatakan biasa. Malah ada juga kereta pemilik yang sudah dibaiki, namun isu sama berlaku kembali setelah beberapa bulan.

Setelah diselidik, waranti kotak gear untuk Proton X70 CBU adalah 60,000km atau 3 tahun, berbeza dengan waranti kotak gear selama 5 tahun/
tanpa had jarak perjalanan
 yang diberikan kepada model CKD. Untuk pengetahuan anda, kira-kira 30,000 unit X70 CBU telah terjual sebelum unit CKD dihasilkan di Tanjung Malim.

Menerusi pemerhatian yang dibuat, rata-rata pemilik X70 berkata kos yang perlu dibelanjakan untuk menukar kotak gear baharu boleh mencecah hingga RM30,000. Dengan harga begitu, kesannya amat mendalam, dan 5 tahun waranti untuk komponen kereta dilihat lebih wajar dan melindungi hak pengguna memandangkan kotak gear merupakan komponen penting untuk menggerakkan kereta.

Malah Summer Yap Pei Ying, seorang pengguna X70 yang sudah penat berdepan dengan isu
jerking
 yang masih tidak selesai telah memuat naik sebuah tangkap layar draf surat peguam yang akan dihantarnya kepada pihak Proton yang dialamatkan kepada Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Proton Edar. Menurut beliau, surat itu merupakan surat aduannya terhadap Proton akibat ketidakselesaian isu kotak gear Proton X70 CBU milik Summer.

Walau bagaimanapun, baru-baru ini group Facebook para pemilik X70 agak kecoh setelah ada beberapa pihak yang menyebarkan info bahawa waranti bagi kotak gearnya telah dilanjutkan daripada 60,000km kepada 5 tahun/ tanpa had jarak perjalanan menyamai waranti yang diberikan kepada kotak gear model CKD kereta yang sama. Namun menurut sesetengah pihak tersebut, ia hanyalah memo dalaman bagi pihak Proton buat masa ini dan belum diumumkan secara rasmi.

Walaubagaimanapun kami di Carlist.my, telah menerima info daripada sumber yang boleh dipercayai yang mengesahkan bahawa tempoh waranti kotak gear X70 CBU dilanjutkan daripada 60,000km/3 tahun kepada jarak perjalanan tanpa had selama 5 tahun, selari dengan model CKD.

Untuk memastikan waranti tersebut kekal sah, pelanggan perlu mematuhi tempoh selang servis yang ditetapkan oleh pengeluar selama 6 bulan atau 10,000 km, dan penggantian waranti komponen transmisi akan dijalankan. Proton juga dilaporkan akan mengeluarkan nombor bahagian khusus untuk kenderaan yang telah menempuh jarak kurang daripada 3 tahun atau 60,000 km, serta nombor khusus yang berbeza bagi kenderaan yang telah melebihi tempoh dan jarak perbatuan.

Ini semestinya berita gembira kepada pemilik X70 versi CBU yang risau bakal menghadapi masalah setelah tamat waranti kotak gear. Rata-rata pemilik memuji tindakan tersebut dan berharap agar Proton dapat menjaga servis selepas jualannya dengan lebih baik bagi memastikan hak pelanggan dapat dilindungi. Seharusnya, tempoh waranti kotak gear yang diberikan terhadap unit CBU perlulah ditawarkan sama seperti CKD sejak dari awal lagi memandangkan pemilik X70 CBU merupakan antara pemilik X70 terawal di Malaysia. Tapi lebih baik terlambat daripada tiada langsung.

Walau bagaimanapun, masih tiada pengumuman rasmi dibuat oleh Proton berkenaan perkara ini. Tapi kalau memo dah disebarkan dalam syarikat berkenaan, tunggu masa saja perkara ini akan didedahkan. Sebarang pengumuman rasmi berkenaan perkara ini akan dikemas kini dari semasa ke semasa.


Mercedes-Benz Compares The New C-Class With Top Athletes In Latest Ad Campaign

In an effort to promote
the new C-Class facelift
, Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with world class athletes like tennis superstar Roger Federer, and South African sprinter Akani Simbine for the brand’s latest ad campaign called “Never stop improving”.
The 75-second long commercial, which was created by Grammy Award-winning French directing duo "We Are From LA", shows how the new C-class is athletic and also successful like the athletes mentioned above, and also how it never stops improving despite being the brand’s best-seller.
Unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the highlight of the new C-Class is its powertrain - the new M264 1.5-litre twin-scroll turbo four-cylinder petrol engine.
Fitted only on the C200 and C200 4Matic, the engine produces 184 PS at 5,800 to 6,100 rpm, and 280 Nm of maximum torque between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm.
Also exclusive to the C200 is a micro-hybrid 48 V belt-starter alternator that provides the engine with an additional 13 hp of boost when accelerating.
Mercedes-Benz brands this setup as EQ Boost, which sits one level below the EQ Power-badged plug-in hybrid models like the C350e and E350e.
This powertrain package takes over from the pre-facelift C200’s more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which made 184 hp at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm from 1,200 – 4,000 rpm. The nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission remains unchanged.
Visual highlights include a slightly different pair of bumpers front and rear. On AMG line models, the bumper slits for the rear reflectors are now more prominent while front air dam now features a pair of slits at the sides.
Inside the cabin, some variants will get a larger 12.3-inch LCD display that runs across the C-Class’ signature twin binnacle instrument cluster, while the steering wheel has also been changed. The free-standing infotainment screen has also been enlarged to 10.25-inch, and now displays in 16:9 format.
Other optional features (in Europe) include MultiBeam LED headlamps, Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Control Distronic, seats with individually adjustable side bolsters and lumbar support with massaging function, and a climate control that emits fragrance.


Korea Selatan Tawar Subsidi Sehingga RM70,000 Bagi Kenderaan Elektrik – Malaysia Bila?

Setiap pembelian kereta elektrik atau
EV (electric vehicles)
 di Korea Selatan akan menerima subsidi sebanyak 19 juta won, bersamaan RM69,818. Kalau berani nak guna
hidrogen
, Korea Selatan turut menawarkan sehingga 37.5 juta won bagi kenderaan Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). Berbaloi bukan?

Ini merupakan salah satu inisiatif negara yang menghasilkan kereta
Hyundai
 dan
Kia
 itu untuk mempunyai lebih banyak kenderaan mesra alam di jalan raya bagi memupuk tenaga yang boleh diperbaharui, infrastruktur hijau, sektor industri hijau sebagai perkembangan terbaru Korea Selatan, di samping mengurangkan pencemaran air dan udara.

Korea Selatan telah menambah jumlah keseluruhan subsidi sebanyak 1.02 trilion won (RM3.74 bilion) untuk 120,000 unit kenderaan elektrik dan 365.5 bilion won (RM1.34 bilion) untuk 15,000 FCEV. Dengan itu, Korea Selatan mensasarkan sebanyak 136,000 unit kenderaan elektrik dan hidrogen di jalan raya tahun ini, menyaksikan peningkatan sebanyak 21.4 peratus dan 49.2 peratus berbanding tahun lalu.

Melalui program subsidi ini, semakin jauh
jarak perjalanan
, semakin tinggi amaun subsidi yang bakal diperoleh. Walau bagaimanapun, bagi kenderaan EV dan FCEV yang berharga diantara 60 juta won hingga 90 juta won hanya bakal menerima 50 peratus daripada subsidi ini. Kalau harga melebihi 90 juta won, tiada subsidi langsung untuk mereka. Tiada lah subsidi kalau beli
Tesla Model S
 di sini!

Pembeli SUV
Hyundai Nexo
 akan mendapat subsidi penuh FCEV sebanyak 37.5 juta won! Untuk kenderaan elektrik pula, antara model yang terlibat dengan subsidi adalah
Hyundai Kona Electric
,
Kia Niro
, dan
Tesla Model 3
.  Ini bukan kali pertama Korea Selatan menawarkan perkara seperti ini kerana mereka turut menawarkan subsidi untuk teksi elektrik, bas dan trak bagi membantu pemilik perniagaan kecil-kecilan. Bagi merealisasikan sasaran tersebut, Korea Selatan akan membina sebanyak 31,500 pengecas elektrik dan 54 stesen hidrogen di seluruh negara itu paad tahun ini. Persoalannya, Malaysia bila lagi?

Adakah Malaysia sudah bersedia untuk penggunaan kereta elektrik? Pada yang tidak tahu, negara kita telah pun mempunyai kenderaan elektrik seperti
Nissan Leaf
 yang berharga RM 188,888 serta
BMW i3s
yang berharga RM 278,800.

Sebelum itu, terdapat model kereta elektrik lain di Malaysia seperti
Renault Zoe
 pada suatu ketika dahulu. Walaupun Renault Malaysia tidak lagi menjual model Zoe di Malaysia, anda tetap boleh mendapatkan Renault Zoe yang terpakai melalui COMOS.

Pemberian subsidi terhadap kenderaan elektrik terbukti berkesan dalam memupuk masyarakat untuk berhijrah. Lihat saja negara Korea Selatan dan Jerman. Berdasarkan Polisi Automotif Kebangsaan (NAP) yang dilancarkan pada tahun 2020, tiada insentif atau pelepasan cukai diberikan pada kenderaan elektrik di negara ini. Bekas Timbalan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, Ong Kian Ming ketika itu berkata perincian tersebut masih dalam perancangan, namun akan diberitahu umum kelak. Dengan subsidi, permintaan terhadap kenderaan elektrik juga pasti meningkat.

*Kredit grafik Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna

Persoalannya, sanggupkah anda berhijrah ke kenderaan elektrik sekiranya terdapat subsidi atau insentif daripada kerajaan di samping stesen pengecasan yang semakin banyak di seluruh negara?


BMW, Mercedes, Ford, and VW Group Join Forces To Setup Ultra-Fast EV Charging Stations In Europe

Driving an electric vehicle across Europe may soon be as convenient as going at it with a regular petrol-powered counterpart.
Four car makers, namely the BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and the Volkswagen Group through its subsidiaries Audi and Porsche, have signed a memorandum of understanding to embark on a project to setup a network of high-powered ultra-fast EV charging stations along major European highways.
In a joint release issued by all four companies, it was revealed that the ultra-fast high-powered charging network is expected to operate with power levels up to 350kW and will be significantly faster than the most powerful charging system in use today.
Ground work is expected to start in 2017 with an initial target of 400 sites. By 2020, the number of charging stations across the continent is expected to number in the thousands, with the user experience set to evolve to a level of speed and convenience comparable to refuelling a regular petrol or diesel car.
The four founding companies of this venture intend to make substantial investment to make this crucial deployment happen and have collectively extended their invitation to other manufacturers as well as regional partners to participate.


Perodua Sells 204,900 Units In 2017, Aims For 209,000 For 2018

Despite the market being a little glum through 2017 for a variety of reasons, Perodua managed to pull through with an impressive 204,900 vehicles registered through 2017. This exceeded their earlier target of 202,000 units – but that was a target that was set lower than the 2016 figure of 207,100 units in order to account for the market slowdown.
Their market share dropped by 0.1% from 2016, with a figure of 35.6% based on their estimates – official figures from MAA have yet to be released. That’s still an impressive number and makes it their 12
th
 year in the number 1 position within this industry. Reasons for the drop in sales are attributed to the more intense competition and stricter hire-purchase guidelines.
In terms of exports, Perodua took a pretty large hit – especially in Indonesia. This was partially due to new regulations and new competition emerging in their various export markets, but perhaps the largest reason for the 36% drop was the introduction of the new Myvi. As the old Myvi was being phased out and the new Myvi had not yet been launched in Indonesia, it was naturally understandable that there would be a fairly severe drop in export sales. The Myvi is currently the only Perodua model sold in Indonesia, but as the Daihatsu Sirion.
The new Myvi has been a huge bump for the company, but the number of units moved did not contribute significantly to the 2017 total as it was only launched in November. While there have been over 36,000 bookings since the launch of the Myvi, only 11,000 units have officially been registered. On the plus side, at least 25,000 units can be added to this year’s total figure when they are delivered, and Perodua can benefit from a full year's worth of sales from the new Myvi leading to a big increase for 2018 figures.
Perhaps the single largest reason for the slow delivery of the new Myvi is the fact that roughly 85% of the bookings for the Myvi are for the 1.5-litre models. This is a huge difference from the 55% that they planned for prior to the launch, and as a result Perodua has been working overtime at their factories and with their vendors to meet this unprecedented demand.
What’s interesting to note is the growing number of customers who are buying the cars as either a spare car, or a car for their children. When asked about the particular percentages of first-time-customers compared to existing Perodua owners, Datuk (Dr) Aminar said that they were still compiling the figures but would have a solid answer by the middle of 2018.
This could also be the reason that the 1.5-litre model is selling in such high numbers; customers from higher segments could be starting to see the appeal in the more generously specified top-tier 1.5-litre model. This more than makes up for the slight cannibalization of Myvi sales when the Bezza was launched, as it is drawing entirely new customers to the brand. Of course, this is all speculation – but Datuk (Dr) Aminar did say it was a surprising trend.
In terms of service and after-sales, the business has been increasing positively with the after-warranty ratio increasing to 36%. This is good for the brand as it allows them to keep track of their vehicles and keeps spare parts sales going, and these vehicles may eventually feed back into their trade-in system. For 2018, Perodua hopes to increase service revenue by 3%, parts and accessories revenue by 2%, and service intake by 2%.
On the note of trade-ins, 2017 saw 15% of Perodua branch sales come from trade-ins, as opposed to 12% in 2016. This comes as a figure of roughly 5,600 cars, with 5,390 of these cars being sold off wholesale. If you do a little bit of maths, the number of cars sold by Perodua branches works out to be around 37,000 units; even though branches are the best equipped for Perodua sales, they are far outnumbered by dealers, which are an entirely separate sales figure and provide the majority of Perodua sales. The high number of trade-ins with younger Perodua models allowed Perodua to open their first pre-owned car sales outlet in 2017, Perodua KL.
For 2018, Perodua is aiming for a sales figure of 209,000 units, and they estimate a combined total of 215,334 units produced at both Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (which manufactures the Myvi and Alza) and Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (which manufactures the Axia and Bezza). This comes with the expectation that the total industry volume will increase to 590,000 units, and will allow them to maintain their market share at slightly above 35%.


Mitsubishi ASX - Now With 5-Year Free Maintenance

For a limited time only, buyers of the Mitsubishi ASX will enjoy a 5-year free maintenance package when they purchase the 2.0-litre crossover.
When the locally-assembled ASX 2.0-litre was launched in January 2014, it was offered with a five-year warranty and two years free maintenance package.
Starting from this week, the first 1,000 buyers of the Mitsubishi ASX will enjoy five years of free maintenance from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, who will cover the cost of replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air cleaner, transmission oil, fuel filter, brake fluid and coolant for five years.
The Mitsubishi ASX is available in both AWD and 2WD variants, powered by a 2.0-litre MIVEC engine that produces 150 PS of power and 197 Nm of torque.
The ASX 2WD is priced at RM117,334.31 while the AWD model is priced at RM131,828.59 inclusive of insurance.


Your Eyes Aren't Fooling You, That Is The All-New Jaguar XF Driving On A High-Wire

Jaguar
 say that their all-new XF uses a lightweight aluminium-extensive architecture that is 190kg lighter than that found in the previous model, resulting in an 80kg drop in overall kerb weight. And they’re very keen to emphasise that point by driving the British executive saloon car across London’s Canary Wharf on a high-wire suspended 18 metres above the water. This one is not for the faint of heart.

(Read More About The All-New 2016 Jaguar XF Here)

With expert British stuntman Jim Dowdall who worked in movies including Bond, Bourne, and Indiana Jones behind the wheel, the Jaguar XF was driven very carefully, and with every nerve-wrecking metre, it crawled its way 240 metres across the wharf where by it successfully completed the dramatic high-wire water crossing.

Go big or go home as they say and with a stunt like this, Jaguar certainly wants to make a huge splash with its all-new Jaguar XF. Look forward to its global motor show debut early next month in New York.


What’s Up With The All-New 2022 Subaru WRX?

Over the past weekend,
Subaru
 finally pulled the covers off their all-new 2022 WRX, their next-generation all-wheel-drive performance saloon. It gains all-new mechanical bits and, for some reason, even thinks it's some kind of SUV mutant.

Fans and enthusiasts have been eager
 to see the automaker’s sequel to the 2014 first-generation WRX since the model was split from the Impreza range - though, technically this is the 5th-generation
Subaru
 to wear that nameplate.

Riding on the much more
contemporary Subaru Global Platform
 just like the rest of the Japanese automaker’s current line-up, the WRX is able to gain some 28% in torsional rigidity and, thanks to its thoroughly revised front suspension, is able to more deftly balance dynamic ability with ride comfort.

In plenty of areas,
Subaru
 has stayed faithful to that formula, but in some rather obvious ways felt the need to stray into strange new territory. We’ve got a 2.4-litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engine up front (with mandatory bonnet scoop) turbocharged to 271hp and 350Nm, a 6-speed manual transmission in the middle (yessss!!), and the brand’s Symmetrical AWD shuffling power between each of its four driven wheels, complete with Active Torque Vectoring.

If you were
expecting a power jump to 400h
p
, you might be disappointed.

This is essentially the same FA24 mill as the new BRZ and
Toyota GR86
, albeit with forced induction. However, exactly how it differs internally - if at all - from the 260hp FA24F first seen in the 2019
Subaru
 Ascent is unclear.

Alongside the extra displacement, the engine’s wider peak torque window of 2,000rpm to 5,200rpm and electronic wastegate and bypass valves have significantly improved throttle response, they claim.

After being dragged through the coals with the underwhelming non-manual variants of the previous WRX, the automaker has now tried to unsoil their reputation by offering this new car with the new
“Subaru Performance Transmission"
, or SPT. They promise it’s a good one this time.

Very intentionally, nowhere in the car’s official literature will you find any mention of ‘Lineartronic’ or ‘CVT', which might make you inclined to think that
Subaru
 has finally abandoned a transmission type that really had no place in a performance saloon. Maybe they've opted for a ZF or Aisin-sourced torque converter auto or maybe even a dual-clutch?

That isn’t the case, unfortunately. SPT is merely an improved and
sportier
 version of
Subaru’s in-house continuously variable transmission
, claiming to offer 30% faster upshifts and 50% faster downshifts through its 8 pre-programmed virtual ratios. We remain unconvinced but open to have our skepticism reversed.

Before we proceed, we must address the somewhat controversial styling adopted by the all-new WRX. Being a car that was engineered to be a road-honed version of
Subaru
’s competition rally car, some rugged treatment such as this with its copious dark grey plastic body cladding around the wheel arches, side skirts, and most of its rear end might seem like the design process reaching its natural conclusion.

However, it's worth remembering that
Subaru
 had pulled out of its participation in the World Rally Championship way back in 2008. Since at no time prior to that were these eyesores fitted to any of their Impreza WRX models or full-on rally cars, clearly they saw no functional purpose to them even then. So, why now?

Regardless, the chunky SUV-style looks will also have to share canvas space with the extra aero bits once the more hardcore STI version steps into the ring.

Inside, it becomes obvious where the WRX has clearly and undeniably soared above and beyond its predecessors. The cabin here remains driver-focused but the overhauled placements, mix of materials, and tech on offer brings it up to par with more premium rivals.

The portrait-oriented 11.6-inch high definition central infotainment panel dominates the centre stack with their newest Starlink interface, piping audio through an optional Harman/Kardon audio system. There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity built-in, and behind the scenes,
Subaru
’s EyeSight driver assist suite is on guard to keep safety levels continually high.

As previously mentioned,
Subaru
 is also offering the WRX in more upmarket GT spec. This package adds bespoke Recaro front sports seats, and electronic active dampers, adaptive cruise control, and a whole host of custom suspension and steering options to fine-tune the drive.

The WRX will be rolling out first for initial markets such as North America for the 2022 model year, though
Subaru
 have yet to confirm pricing or a firm launch or on-sale date just yet. However, like its predecessor, we expect the MSRP to reflect its competition such as the
Honda Civic Type R
 and Volkswagen Golf R at around $30,000 US dollars, which incidentally is also within earshot of the BRZ.


Caltex To Introduce Euro 4M RON 97 Fuel Come September

Following several other fuel brands to have introduced the Euro 4M emission grade of RON 97 petrol in Malaysia, Chevron, through its retail brand Caltex, has fallen next in line to move towards the cleaner fuel.
The new fuel, Caltex Euro 4M Premium 97 with Techron, will only be available come the 1
st
 of September, and is expected to be rolled out in stages to all Caltex stations nationwide, in accordance with the government mandate to do so. The Malaysian supply of Caltex will come from the company's refinery in Singapore.
On top of the low sulphur content dictated by Euro 4M standards (500ppm to 50ppm now), users of the cleaner grade of RON 97 will also benefit from lower benzene content (5% to 3.5% mass) and reduced vapour pressure – the latter ensuring that the fuel doesn’t nearly evaporate as quickly, when being poured into your tank, or at rest.
Obviously, the end game for the new grade of RON 97 petrol is to reduce harmful exhaust emissions, and to ensure better operation of your vehicle’s engines – high-sulphur fuel such as the Euro 2M (500ppm) previously, emitted harmful soot particles and carbon dioxide into the environment.
For now, the authorities look to only be mandating the need for RON 97 Euro 4M petrol, while further enforcement of a Euro 5 grade diesel is to come sometime in the future.
Unlike BHP and Petronas, Caltex hasn’t made any announcements towards Euro 5 grade diesel, just yet.


MAA: Great Response To KLIMS 2018

Since the announcement of KLIMS’18 made early this year, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has been receiving enquiries from industry players, the public and media members for information of the show.
Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of MAA said “We are pleased about the responses to KLIMS’18 as the show will not be successful for Malaysia without the support of industry players and the public. As the association representing members’ interests in the automotive industry, MAA is presenting KLIMS to engage our members in unity so that we can be consequential in promoting a stronger industry for the benefit of all members and to provide the public an exciting purview of the possibilities available for their personal or family vehicles.”
The 9th edition of KLIMS will take place at the new Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) located at Jalan Dutamas 2, Kuala Lumpur covering 10 days from 23rd November to 2nd December 2018.
Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) said “We are delighted that KLIMS is back again this year and being a regular participant at all the previous shows, UMWT will certainly be present. This year, our range is a vibrant and diverse one, demonstrating ever better mobility for all. With ever-better cars, we expect to be able to give visitors a glimpse of the future as well.”
Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors - Malaysia, Thailand & Taiwan, said “Sime Darby Motors is pleased to announce its participation at KLIMS’18 with Ford and Hyundai showcasing their latest offerings at its booth. As the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion’s exhibit will be more than just a showcase. Staying true to its tagline 'Go Further’, visitors can look forward to special offerings and a rare treat themed around going further in technology and safety,"
Could KLIMS be the venue to officiate the
all-new Ford Focus in ASEAN
?
"Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), on the other hand is all out to impress visitors with Hyundai's latest SUVs that embody the brand’s Modern Premium concept. Hyundai believes in adding premium value to the car beyond just a transportation vehicle. Be sure to check out what Hyundai has to offer as these are no ordinary SUVs.”
“No ordinary SUV”...
the Kona certainly doesn’t look like one
. Another candidate for unveiling at KLIMS 2018?
While more brands are expected to confirm their participation, KLIMS’18 has confirmed market leaders such as:
Proton
Perodua
Honda
Toyota and Lexus
Nissan and Infiniti
Mitsubishi
Hyundai
Ford
Isuzu
Kia
Peugeot
Meanwhile, commercial vehicles from brands such as UD and Daihatsu have also confirmed their participation. There will also be participation from Kawasaki and Honda motorbikes.
Apart from concept and new vehicles, there will also be booths from top accessory brands such as 3M, Elite Looks, Good Life, High-Tech Lubricants, Kakimotor, NVK Interiors, and V-Kool.
Event details are as mentioned below:
Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS)
Organiser: Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA)
Date: 23rd November – 2nd December 2018
Venue: Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre Kuala Lumpur (MITEC)


Upgraded Toyota Hilux, New Fortuner Variants, Innova 2.0X Pricing Announced

UMW Toyota Motor today announced the pricing for the upgraded Hilux, two new Fortuner variants, as well as the Innova 2.0X a month after they opened for booking.
Innova 2.0X
The big news is of course the introduction of the Innova 2.0X variant which is the new flagship of the range. Featuring a crossover-ish sense of styling, the new variant, which is priced at RM132,800, gets whatever that is offered in the 2.0G, plus a few exclusive items such as:
LED lights
Premium combination leather package
6-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat
Captain’s seats for the second row and larger alloy rims
The entire Innova range now qualifies for the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating as all variants – including the new Innova 2.0X – are fitted with:
7 SRS airbags
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
ABS with EBD and BA
Fortuner
For the Fortuner SUV, the range has been expanded with the addition of two new diesel models which bring the total number of variants to four:
Fortuner 2.4 4x4 (retains specs of previous 2.4 VRZ 4x4 model) – RM169,800
Fortuner 2.4 VRZ 4x2 Diesel (new) – RM185,800
Fortuner 2.4 VRZ 4x4 Diesel (new) – RM195,800
Fortuner 2.7 SRZ 4x4 Petrol (same as before) – RM181,800
Powered by a 2GD-FTV 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine producing 150 PS and 400 Nm of torque, the two new variants’ list of features are similar to the 2.7 SRZ petrol model, which includes:
Bi-LED headlights with DRLs / LED combination taillights
18-inch alloy wheels
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
7 airbags
Automatic air-conditioning
Leather seats
Powered back door
LED-type fog lamps (new)
Cruise control (new)
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
Rear disc brakes
Optitron instrument panel with 4.2-inch colour TFT-LCD screen
Eight-way powered driver’s seat
Eight-inch touchscreen
Reverse camera
Also new are the optional TRD Sportivo bodykit, a panoramic view monitor, as well as a blind spot monitor.
Hilux
The Updated Hilux is now available in six trim levels instead of eight, as the
2.4G STD MT 4×4 and 2.4G STD AT 4×4 variants have been dropped
:
Hilux Single Cab 2.4 M/T 4x4 - RM87,200
Hilux Double Cab 2.4 STD 4x4 M/T - RM96,900
Hilux Double Cab 2.4 M/T 2x4 - RM89,100
Hilux Double Cab 2.4G M/T 4x4 - RM106,700
Hilux Double Cab 2.4G A/T 4x4 - RM116,300
Hilux Double Cab 2.8G A/T 4x4 -  RM130,900
The model does not get any new variants, but there are many new features like:
Cruise control (2.8G only)
LED foglamps (2.8G only)
Automatic air-conditioning (2.8G only)
USB charging ports (2.4G and 2.8G)
Rear air-cond vent (2.8G only)
Vehicle Stability Control (2.4G and 2.8G)
Hill-start Assist Control (2.4G and 2.8G)
Action Traction Control (2.4G and 2.8G)
Downhill Assist Control (2.8G only)
7 Airbags (2.8G and 2.4G A/T only, the rest get 3)


Nama Yang Blacklist CCRIS/ CTOS Boleh Buat Pinjaman Loan Kereta Atau Tidak?

Pernahkah anda lihat iklan penjualan kereta yang menyatakan nama yang kena blacklist oleh CCRIS/ CTOS turut boleh membuat
pinjaman
 loan kereta? Persoalannya, boleh ke tidak?

Iklan seperti itu semestinya membuka mata banyak rakyat Malaysia yang tidak mampu untuk mendapatkan pinjaman bank, terutamanya mereka yang telah disenarai hitam akibat tidak mampu membayar hutang seperti hutang pinjaman perumahan,
pinjaman kereta
 dan kad kredit.

*Kredit foto: easyloankereta

Walau bagaimanapun, adakah mereka yang telah di blacklist ini masih boleh untuk membuat pinjaman untuk membeli kereta? Untuk menjawab persoalan tersebut secara lebih mendalam, kami akan menjelaskan dari 4 sudut yang berbeza seperti:

Bank

Syarikat Kredit (Supreme)

Syarikat Wang Berlesen

Ceti Haram

*Kredit foto: Malay Mail

Bank

Sekiranya nama anda telah disenarai hitam/ blacklist oleh pihak bank, anda tidak boleh membuat sebarang pinjaman lain dengan bank kerana bank akan merujuk terlebih dahulu pada CCRIS dan CTOS anda sebelum memberikan kelulusan.

CCRIS bermaksud Central Credit Research Information System atau Pusat Sistem Maklumat Rujukan Kredit dari
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM)
. Semua laporan kredit CCRIS disediakan dan diuruskan oleh Biro Kredit BNM di mana semua maklumat kredit dari pelbagai syarikat kewangan di Malaysia seperti bank, broker
insurans
, dan pihak swasta seperti syarikat telekomunikasi.

Laporan CCRIS mempunyai info seperti:

Semua pinjaman/kredit tertunggak

Akaun perhatian khusus yang dipantau rapat oleh institut kewangan

Permohonan pinjaman kredit yang dah lulus atau sedang diproses dalam tempoh 12 bulan

Selain itu, bank juga menggunakan CTOS untuk menentukan kelayakan kredit pemohon, sama ada individu atau syarikat. Kebiasaannya, pihak bank akan gunakan CTOS dan CCRIS untuk melihat sejauh mana keupayaan pemohon untuk membayar semula hutang.

Laporan CTOS pula datang dari pelbagai sumber awam seperti Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM), Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN), Jabatan Insolvensi Malaysia (JIM), notis dari akhbar, penerbitan prosiding undang-undang, dan warta kerajaan.

Laporan CTOS mempunyai info seperti:

Status muflis

Tindakan
undang-undang

Status kes

Pemilikan dan info perniagaan

Secara amnya, jika laporan kewangan anda di CCRIS dan CTOS tidak baik, mungkin sukar untuk bank meluluskan pinjaman. Namun jika nama anda telah disenarai hitam/ blacklist oleh pihak bank, pinjaman anda dengan pihak bank tidak akan diluluskan.

Syarikat Kredit (Supreme)

Syarikat kredit supreme adalah seperti Aeon Credit Service,
Toyota
 Capital Services,
BMW Group
 Financial Services dan Parkson Credit . Meskipun syarikat kredit ini memberi pinjaman seperti bank, namun mereka bukanlah pihak bank.

Tetapi, syarikat kredit seperti ini juga tertakluk kepada BNM kerana mereka perlu melaporkan kepada BNM secara terus. Oleh itu, jika nama anda telah disenarai hitamkan/ blacklist oleh pihak BNM, anda tidak boleh membuat pinjaman dengan syarikat kredit supreme seperti yang disebutkan.

Pinjaman Wang Berlesen

Di sini, anda boleh membuat pinjaman meskipun nama anda telah disenarai hitam/ blacklist. Walau bagaimanapun, ada caj tambahan akan dikenakan bagi invois dan perjanjian tersebut. Selain itu, kadar faedah yang dikenakan juga agak tinggi, bermula daripada 10%. Meskipun anda boleh membuat pinjaman di sini, namun anda akan dikenakan beberapa bayaran tambahan yang agak tinggi berbanding pihak bank.

Syarikat pinjaman wang berlesen ini boleh memberikan pinjaman kerana mereka tidak melaporkan secara terus pada BNM. Oleh itu, pinjaman anda masih boleh diluluskan meskipun nama sudah disenarai hitam. Tetapi, anda perlu membayar lebih mengikut segala peraturan yang ditetapkan.

Ceti Haram/Along

Jika meminjam daripada ceti haram, bukan sekadar nama blacklist boleh lepas, malah yang dah muflis pun boleh lulus. Tetapi, anda perlu berhati-hati kerana nilai bunga yang perlu dibayar akan meningkat dan terus meningkat. Sebagai contoh, anda meminjam RM30,000 untuk tempoh 5 tahun. Tetapi masuk tahun terakhir pembayaran, anda dapati baki tertunggak masih lagi RM30k. Rupa-rupanya segala pembayaran yang dibuat sebelum ini hanyalah cukup untuk membayar bunga sahaja.

Oleh itu, elakkan daripada meminjam dengan ceti haram bagi mendapatkan masa depan yang lebih terjamin. Meskipun cara untuk mendapatkan pinjaman tersebut tidak begitu susah dan melecehkan, namun kebahagiannya hanyalah sementara. Ingatlah, nama anda telah disenarai hitam/ blacklist kerana pengurusan kewangan yang teruk. Oleh itu, mampukah anda membayar semula pinjaman Along dengan nilai bunga yang tinggi?

Kesimpulannya, nama yang telah disenarai hitam/ blacklist oleh pihak
bank
 tidak dibenarkan untuk melakukan pinjaman dengan mana-mana pihak bank atau syarikat kredit yang melaporkan secara terus dengan BNM. Tetapi nama yang disenarai hitam masih boleh membuat pinjaman di syarikat wang berlesen ataupun loan kedai dengan syarat tertentu dan bayaran balik yang lebih tinggi. Jika nama anda telah disenarai hitam blacklist, anda dinasihatkan untuk membersihkan rekod kewangan anda terlebih dahulu sebelum membuat pinjaman lain.


Five Things You Can Do To Be A Better Driver

Becoming a better driver is something that takes more than just a couple of hours at the driving school – but there’s more that helps than just seat time.

PC: Gary Khor, Nelson Sim, Alex Yeo, and others.

You would only be lying to yourself if you said that you couldn’t possibly improve as a driver. The best drivers are always learning something new or working on refining certain abilities, and this applies whether you view it in the context of motorsports, or just driving around on the road. The question is how do you go about improving and building upon what you already know? Read on to find out.

Sports That Test Your Reflexes

When you watch videos of Formula One drivers, you get a chance to see how incredibly quick their reflexes are. Some of this is genetic, but a lot of it can be trained – and the training doesn’t necessarily need to be behind the wheel. Sports such as table tennis or badminton are fast paced enough that your reflexes will naturally develop, beyond the point of having to consciously make a decision on the fly.

It obviously helps your physical endurance as well, which comes into play when dealing with longer journeys where you may start to slack or get a little lazy with your inputs. Staying in good physical shape is never a bad thing, and being able to stay in control even after extended periods of time behind the wheel is paramount to safety.

Games That Force Your Concentration

Perhaps a little more left field than you would think, but games – video, or conventional – which force you to concentrate and keep track of various entities in play are extremely helpful when it comes to driving. The road is a chaotic place and you are dealing with a huge range of variables, perhaps the biggest of all being other drivers who share road space.

Chess, for example, forces you to think not just a few moves ahead but to keep track of both your own pieces and what the opponent is moving towards. With the amount of information that you have to keep tabs on, it’s very good training for building a mental picture of your surroundings when you drive. This comes in handy when you have to react in emergency situations and need to aim for a safe escape route but don’t always have time to check.

Driver Training Programs, Of Course

This would obviously make the list, although you would be surprised that it’s more difficult to find a good program than you think. One of the more publicly known outfits that conducts programs like this is the
Asia Advanced Driving Academy
, but in addition to this you could also snag a spot at BMW’s annual Advanced and Intensive Driver Training programs – though you will have to pay a pretty hefty fee. There are even drift clinics offered by
Sync Optima
 that will help you feel comfortable and confident when dealing with oversteer.

All of these programs are designed not just to develop your reflexes, but your thought process when facing emergency situations. They also help you with honing your reactions so that you know how much input you should give, as reaction without precision can lead to much bigger and more dangerous accidents than a measured and controlled response.

Go-Karting

While the dynamics of a go-kart are vastly different from that of a road car, there is definitely a benefit to hitting up a go-kart track every now and then. Not only is it physically punishing, but it forces you to constantly think about what the kart is doing as you work your way through the track. We have a variety of karting tracks in the Klang Valley, with
Traxion Sunway
, Sepang Kart Circuit, and Shah Alam City Karting coming to mind.

It is also far cheaper to run drive a go-kart for half an hour or so than to take your car to a proper racetrack to practice with it there. We guarantee that by the time your go-karting session is done, you will probably be more in the mood for a relaxed cruise on the road than any sort of driving that involves speed.

Take Part In Competitive Automotive Events

There’s nothing that breeds development like competition – the same way many of the top automotive manufacturers in the world have entered some form of motorsports over the decades. When you compete, you put yourself in a situation where you try your best to win or to set the quickest time, and it really forces you to examine any flaws or problems you have with your technique in order to close the gap with the competition.

While the costs may vary – anything from a relatively cheap autocross to a full on time-attack – you will be pushing yourself and developing a better understanding of what your car is and isn’t capable of. The motorsports community here is usually fairly welcoming as well, so it gives you the opportunity to talk to other drivers and get bits of advice to help improve your own set of skills.


Chery Omoda 5 Malaysia Launch Confirmed - 197PS Crossover To Shake Up B-Segment

If you reckoned the B-segment crossover space wasn’t crowded enough, here’s another contender coming down the pipe. Alongside other international market rollouts such as Australia, the Omoda 5, has been confirmed
for a local launch by Chery Malaysia
.

While we’re pretty sure that such an introduction is bound for 2022, an exact launch date or expected window has not been disclosed. We’ll keep our ear to the ground as more news develops.

The Omada 5 was first shown to the public in late November 2021, where it received a pretty positive audience response but has only just begun production last week in Wuhu, China.

Given its size - being at the larger end of the B-segment category - and predictably sharp pricing, there’s no doubt it’ll be locking horns with the
Proton X50
,
Honda HR-V
,
Hyundai Kona
 and even the
Corolla Cross
.

That said it will be among the more powerful in its class with 197PS and 290Nm coming from a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which sends power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Chery’s roadmap for the Omoda 5 will include electrification as well.

In terms of its design, there’s definitely a lot going on from contrasting coloured accents to a jumble of character lines. It doesn’t look bad, just unexpectedly busy, which is an impression that kicks off from gazing upon that huge wraparound front grille. Still, it might be up your alley
if you think the newest BMWs look tasty
.

Flanking this are slim illuminators up top for the daytime running lights while the main LED beams are positioned further down just ahead of the wheel wells much like the tiered headlight designs from Hyundai.

The rear profile, however, does vaguely resemble a Lexus RX especially with its slightly sloping roofline, blacked-out ‘floating roof’ effect, and arrowhead tail lights.

Inside, Chery has seemed to have done some very good work with the cabin layout and design, looking very elegant and ergonomic with its mix of matte finishes and leather upholstery. This subtlety is very much at odds with the exterior but nonetheless a welcome relief.

There are dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and digital instrument cluster which supposedly supports Apple CarPlay (yay for capitalism!). The rest of the dashboard looks rather minimal with only a few buttons scattered about.

While we’re not certain about the Omoda 5’s complement of active safety features, reports confirm it will feature a 360-degree camera system.


New Ghostbusters Director Posts Pictures Of Next Ecto-1

In 2016, the world will see a new Ghostbusters movie with an all-new cast and a new director, Paul Feig, but written and produced by previous director Ivan Reitman. An iconic piece of Ghostbusters lore is their car, and Feig has released pictures of the new Ecto-1 via Twitter. Maybe new isn’t quite the right word. Newer?
The Ecto-1 in the first two films was based on 1959
Cadillac
 ambulance, and it seems that the formula hasn’t been tampered with much in the transition to the third as the new Ecto-1 is also based on a Cadillac, albeit one that’s not quite as old. To our eyes, this new Buster-mobile looks like it might be based on a 1980s Cadillac Brougham hearse. Still a very big car.
Another picture tweeted by Feig (below) confirms the hearse element of the car, possibly even the exact vehicle before modifications. Fans of the series may well be relieved that some elements from the preceding movies have been kept, such as the car (close enough). It’s decked out in the requisite red and white colour scheme and has the appropriate Ghostbuster logos on each side and rear, along with necessary ‘equipment’ on the roof.
Next year’s film that will continue the comedy-horror franchise will include four actresses in the starring roles, which are Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Kristen Wiig. It’s been reported that a few of the original cast such as Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray might be playing minor roles. If the magic of the original movies returns in this sequel, there's a lot to be excited about. At least they've got the car right.


Toyota Opens New Showroom in Segambut

UMW Toyota Motor yesterday announced the official opening of its new showroom in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.
Located at Pusat Komersial Jalan Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, the new showroom serves as an outlet for sales of new Toyota vehicles while the present 2S centre at Kawasan Perusahaan Segambut is being renovated to meet greater demand for aftersales services.
According to UMWT this was necessary in view of the much larger number of Toyota vehicles since the facility was established.
“The growing number of Toyota vehicles required us to expand our facilities and from our studies, the existing 2S outlet in Segambut requires additional capacity to cope with this greater number of customers. Therefore, we are expanding the outlet to cater for the aftersales and in the meantime, opened this new showroom to cater to those who wish to view and purchase Toyota vehicles,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
The new showroom was developed at a cost of about RM1 million and incorporates Toyota’s Next Generation Showroom concept. Customers will enjoy a more vibrant and customer-friendly atmosphere. The showroom can display up to three models at any one time with shaded delivery bays. There’s also a comfortable lounge for customers with various amenities including free wifi.
“Toyota’s Next Generation Showroom concept is intended to re-invent the way car showrooms are designed, with the customer as the foremost priority,” explained Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor. “Customers will now have an experiential environment that is related to the type of vehicle on display”.
Toyota currently has close to 100 sales and service outlets in Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia, Labuan and Langkawi.


Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D SX Introduced In Malaysia, Replaces 2.2D EX

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia has introduced a new variant of their large MPV - the Grand Carnival 2.2D SX.
The introduction of the new Grand Carnival 2.2D SX sees the 2.2D EX dropped from Naza Kia’s lineup, and the new model will join the existing 2.2D KX to form a two-variant line-up.
Outside, the new Grand Carnival 2.2D SX can be differentiated by its new 19-inch alloy wheels, new HID projector headlights with Diamond Glitter LED positioning lights, and Black High Glossy Mesh Type front grille. Furthermore, the exterior also features a front skid plate.
As for the interior, the new Grand Carnival 2.2D SX features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For the rear passengers, the Rear Entertainment System with dual monitors with WiFI connectivity comes as standard.
Continuing inside, the interior also features a new two-tone burgundy leather seats with wood grain garnish and powered front passenger seat.
Mechanically, the new Grand Carnival 2.2D SX features the familiar 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder that does 190 hp and 440 Nm. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels.
Priced at RM188,888 (on-the-road without insurance), the new Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D SX can be had in four colours, namely Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Blackberry and Silky Silver, with the latter being exclusive to the range-topping model.


Audi Malaysia Announces Price Revisions In Line With Zero-Rated GST

Audi Malaysia today announced the price revision of all models, effective 1 June 2018, in line with the adjustment of GST rates from 6% to 0%.
This price revision is expected to remain until the introduction of a new tax structure. A quick rundown of the new prices and savings is as follows:
Additionally, there will be a 6% reduction on the prices of the various packages that can be specified for the vehicles (for instance, the Tech pack, the S line package and so on), in line with the zero-rated GST.
As before, all official Audi vehicles are fully manufactured and assembled in Europe and come with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.


2018 (F90) BMW M5 Wins World Performance Car Of The Year Award

The (F90) BMW M5 has been voted "World Performance Car 2018" by the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) organisation. This marks the seventh time a BMW has won a WCOTY award. The award ceremony was held in conjunction with the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
There were a total of eleven vehicles in this category. The grading criteria required performance-oriented cars with at least 2,000 unit production per year, and are on sale in at least two continents from 1 January 2017 until 31 May 2018.
The selection and voting in all categories were carried out by an international jury made up of 82 automobile journalists from 24 countries.
The BMW M5 is fitted with a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine which delivers an output of 600 hp and a maximum torque of 750 Nm.
The M5 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 305 km/h when specified with the M Driver’s Package.
The M5 features an eight-speed transmission which transmits power to all four-wheels through M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The M xDrive system is capable of isolating power to just the rear wheels, to deliver the M5’s hallmark performance and tail-happy handling characteristics.
This year saw the
Volvo XC60
 take home top honours, as the 2018 World Car Of The Year - the first accolade of its type for Volvo Cars.


All-New Hyundai Kona Electric To Premiere In Geneva Next Month

Hyundai has released a first teaser image of its first fully-electric SUV; the Kona Electric ahead of the official unveiling on February 27.
Expected to arrive in markets across Europe in the third quarter of 2018, the Kona Electric will be among the first all-electric compact SUVs to be available to the masses according to Hyundai.
The SUV will feature two different powertrain versions offering customers with almost 470 kilometres of maximum range.
Hyundai also said that drivers will benefit from a wide range of convenience and connectivity features as well as active safety and driving assistance technologies.
Joining Hyundai’s range of eco-friendly vehicles like the ix35, the Nexo, as well as the Ioniq, we expect the Kona Electric to be almost identical to the
regular Kona
, except for a couple of unique features like the front grille or the wheel design.
Further details will be disclosed on 27 February ahead of the SUV’s world premiere at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.


Volkswagen Tiguan Upgraded With Active Info Display And LED Taillights, No Change In Price

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today announced that the Tiguan SUV has been upgraded with two new features: Active Info Display (AID) and LED taillights.
The new Active Info Display, which has a high-resolution display colour thin-film transistor (TFT) similar to a smartphone, incorporates functions and features in 2D and 3D graphic display for navigation and media.
There is also a three-view customizable screen with over 30 combinations. In addition, the dials can be pre-set to show a combination of data and a full 3D view map for better navigation.
On the exterior, the LED taillights have been updated to a new unit with distinctive light graphics. More than a style factor, the new taillight also incorporates brake animation that enhances visibility for safety. The taillights continue to be an all LED system.
The upgrades will see no price hike to the Tiguan, and it will remain priced at RM 165,990 for the Highline and RM 175,990 for the Join variant.
Like all Volkswagen cars sold by the company in Malaysia, the Tiguan come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, and 5 years roadside assistance.
Powering the Tiguan is a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged direct injection engine that is paired with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode, producing 150 PS and 250 Nm of maximum torque.
Other key features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Multi-collision brakes, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), hill-hold control, Park Assist, Manoeuvre Braking, 3-Zone Climatronic air conditioning, App-Connect, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink, Android Auto, and Apple Carplay.


Honda Malaysia Opens First 3S Centre In Bintulu, Sarawak

Honda customers in Bintulu, Sarawak are now able to enjoy more convenience and easier accessibility with the opening of the new Honda 3S Centre by Kemena Auto Sdn. Bhd. (Kemena Auto).
Located at Lot 14728, Taman Terus, Jalan Tun Hussein Onn, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak, the opening of the new 3S Centre is in line with one of the key strategies in Honda Malaysia's business direction this year, which is to further strengthen their dealership network across the nation.
The company's East Malaysia expansion started four years ago, and currently there are 13 dealerships in East Malaysia, with seven of them located in Sarawak.
The new RM 11 million facility, which sits on a 43,560 square-foot land, is equipped with 10 bays comprising 6 service bays, 3 general repair bays and 1 tyre service bay that can accommodate up to 40 cars per day.
Kemena Auto Honda 3S Centre has also made a variety of amenities available for customers, including comfortable lounges, complimentary Wi-Fi services, a kid's corner, free flow of food and beverage, as well as a Surau. Customers can also enjoy car wash service, road tax renewal, and insurance coverage renewal services in this new Honda 3S Centre.
According to Honda Malaysia, the East Malaysia region has contributed substantially to its total sales and registrations by 6% (over 2,300 units) as of May 2019. State-wise,  more than 1,300 Honda vehicles were sold in Sarawak, contributing 60% to the total sales of this region.
The growing sale in East Malaysia is contributed by models like the new HR-V, which has found more than 680 homes in the region, translating into 30% of the East Malaysia overall sales.
Looking for a new Honda? Get the best deals
here
.


2024 Mercedes-Benz interior revealed - 3 screens, selfie camera and TikTok all part of the new experience

Mercedes-Benz has released pictures of the dash on the next-gen W214 E-Class, and it's all about screens!

After many months of spy shots and speculations, Mercedes-Benz is slowly releasing teasers for their next generation
E-Class
, starting with its screen-heavy dashboard.

If you feel like the dashboard design looks familiar, that's because you've seen the interior of the
Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQE
, which feature a screen-heavy theme.

Yes, what you see in the teaser picture is the next-gen E-Class' version of the much-talked-about Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen. Although it might look similar, it's not an exact carbon copy.

Mercedes-Benz's Hyperscreen is a digital dashboard that spans the entire width of the car's dash, with three screens placed underneath one piece of glass.

Although at first sight it might seem like the next-gen E-Class will have the exact same feature, the screens in the upcoming W214 Benz is slightly different.

One of the major differences between it and the Hyperscreens found in Mercedes' electric vehicles is that the meter cluster is a standalone floating screen. The other two screens follow the Hyperscreen's theme of placing them underneath one piece of glass.

The air conditioning vents are also different in the next-gen E-Class when compared to other models. Instead of the iconic turbine-inspired A/C vents, the next-gen E-Class will feature slimmer streamlined air vents, following the shape of the outer part of the dashboard. This one-piece-looking A/C vent which stretches from one end of the dash to the other, really is in our opinion a piece of art, just like the turbine vents.

There's also a camera now on top of the dashboard (optional), which can apparently help you be more productive in the car. When the car is stationary, the camera can be switched on, where you can then use it to take photos or videos and even conference calls. Apparently social media apps like TikTok will be embedded in the infotainment system, allowing you to have some fun with the camera.

There's also a camera monitoring your eyes, which will adjust the screen brightness according to the driver's eye movement.

The ambient lighting in the W214 E-Class can also operate as disco lights, as it is clever enough to work with the audio system to provide you with a light show based on a song's rhythm. This too like the camera is an optional extra, but we're pretty sure people can live without it.

What do you think of the new dashboard design for the new E-Class? classy or technocrazy? Will the rest of the lineup follow the design? Only time can answer that question right now.


Purchase A Renault And Enjoy A Trip To Paris - No Contest Required

TC Euro Cars (TCEC) today announced the ‘The French Experience’, where new buyers of the Renault Captur or Koleos will be enjoying more than a new French automobile.
Any customer who completes the purchase of either model from now till 30th April 2019 will fly off on a trip for two to Paris, reputed for being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities. Paris is also affectionately dubbed the City of Romance plus Capital of Fashion. TCEC’s official travel partner for this campaign is Mayflower Holidays. To be clear, this is not a contest. Any who buys a Captur or a Koleos will automatically get a free holiday to Paris.
“Renault’s spectrum of contemporary models now projects a distinctive Renault personality that exudes French style and finesse inside-out and under the hood,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.
“This new sales campaign celebrates Renault’s French roots with an all-around French experience from the daily commute after purchasing a Renault to enjoying a unique vacation in Paris. We believe that our customers are looking for unique life experiences. And Renault vehicles bring just that,” he added.
The trendy turbocharged Renault Captur crossover is available from RM107,980. It is now Euro 6 compliant, which means lower emissions and features engine auto stop-start, as well as a new 7-inch infotainment system with offline/online navigation and internet connectivity.
The infotainment system is able to support music and navigation mobile applications such as Joox and Waze to name a few.
For additional value and customer peace-of-mind, the Captur also comes with a free five-year or 100,000km (whichever occurs first) service package, inclusive of parts and labour.
A premium D-segment SUV, the fully-imported Renault Koleos is priced from RM173,840. It features class-leading interior space with refinements that match a premium car in addition to a 2.5-litre petrol engine, a large 8.7-inch touchscreen R-LINK 2 multimedia system, customizable LED cabin lighting, and blind spot warning system.
Priced from RM 187,614, the Koleos Signature meanwhile adds a powered tailgate, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an expansive panoramic sunroof, and upholstery in chestnut brown.
Both models are backed by a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.