Ferrari Roma Makes World Debut – 3.9-litre Twin Turbo, 611 hp, 0 – 100 in 3.4 Seconds

Ferrari has taken the wraps off its latest coupe – the Roma, which is here to succeed the Portofino and take on rivals like the Aston Martin Vantage.

Featuring a design which takes inspiration from the carefree lifestyle of 1950s and ‘60s Rome from which it takes its evocative name, Roma, the latest model from Maranello is built on a new chassis which benefits from the modular technology developed by Ferrari for its new generation models.

Both the Roma’s bodyshell and chassis have been redesigned to incorporate the latest weight reduction and advanced production technologies. In fact, 70% of its components are entirely new. Ferrari even claims that the mid-front-engined Roma has the best power-to-weight ratio in its segment.

Stylistically, the Roma features long, ultra- sleek lines that sweep back from the front bonnet, highlighting the spare silhouette of the flanks and the compact, set-back fastback cabin volume.

To underscore that formal minimalism, all superfluous detailing has been removed. For example, radiator cooling is guaranteed by a monolithic surface that is perforated only where necessary, creating a new radiator grille concept.

While the full-LED adaptive headlights are traversed by a horizontal light strip that hints at the structure beneath the car’s skin, bringing a sense of tension to the entire circumference of the car, the wraparound rear screen incorporates an active aero device to preserve that signature purity of form, while the twin taillight assembly is set like a gem into the volume.

As for the cabin, the Ferrari Styling Centre designers developed a new formal approach that involved the creation of two separate cells for the driver and passenger, in an evolution of the dual cockpit concept that embraces the entire cabin rather than just the dashboard as was previously the case.

The 16-inch digital instrument cluster provides all the necessary information, while the central display with an 8.4-inch vertical screen and a new passenger display are exceptionally intuitive and user-friendly.

The new Ferrari key with “Comfort Access” function allows the driver to open the car by touching a button next to the new flush handle in the door.

Lastly, the Matrix LED headlights and optional Ferrari advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive Cruise Control, make day-to-day and longer journeys a very relaxing experience.

Under the hood of the Ferrari Roma lies a tweaked, more powerful version of the 3.9-litre V8 twin turbo found in the Portofino which paired to a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain package makes 611 hp and 760 Nm of maximum torque, enabling the car to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 9.3 seconds, and hit a top speed of 320 km/h.

Other key features include leading-edge technologies such as a mobile rear spoiler integrated into the rear screen designed to retain the car’s elegant design, Variable Boost Management for instantaneous throttle response, as well as Side Slip Control 6.0 (a first on a Ferrari GT car) with 5- position manettino and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer which controls yaw angle by hydraulically adjusting brake pressure at the callipers.


Australia’s New South Wales Police Get A McLaren And Aston Martin

The
Dubai police force may have some of the most exotic police vehicles in the world
 but now, the Australians are getting in on the act of adding such high-powered cars to their fleets as well after the New South Wales (NSW) police force collected a McLaren 650S and
Aston Martin
 Vanquish Volante.
However, these cars will not be equipped to function as police cars unlike those in the UAE. Instead, they are lended to the police force by a local automotive car dealership and will serve more to promote community engagement with the NSW police. They’ll still need to pay for petrol.
The NSW police told the Daily Mail Australia, “This agreement is designed to promote tomorrow's Police Legacy Wall-to-Wall ride and celebrate 100 years of Women in Policing.”
“In line with the long standing NSW Police Force Sponsorship Policy, the vehicles are not operational and have not been fitted with lights and sirens. They will be driven by serving female police officers,” said a police spokesperson.
With a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, the
McLaren
 650S’ 641hp would certainly be a perfect police car in the Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit world. Even the 6.0-litre V12 Vanquish Volante would serve well to uphold the peace and be a sight for sore eyes at the same time.


Amendments Of Laws To Regulate Uber And Grab To Be Finalized Soon

Amendments of two laws to regulate ride-sharing apps, in particular Grab and Uber are expected to be given the greenlight, according to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The amendments being tabled concern the Land Transport Act 2010 and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987.
"We must do it by the end of this session. I believe we will be able to complete and pass the amendments," she told
The Sun
. She mentioned that the amendments will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat by Tuesday for the very first reading. The second and third reading is expected to be completed by the end of that session.
"This regulatory move will bring a positive impact not just for taxi drivers, e-hailing service providers and passengers, but also give interested local entrepreneurs the space to explore opportunities in the industry through the local application system development," she added.
A new policy framework has been set up to make sure that service providers of ride-sharing apps will deliver quality service.
These ride-sharing app service providers are also required to to register with the Companies Commission and regulations that apply to taxi drivers will soon be applied to drivers of Uber and Grab.
"This includes a
driver's card
 issued by the Land Public Transport Commission, vehicle inspections, screening by authorities as well as training. Through these methods, both conventional taxi services and the e-hailing services will be able to provide quality service to the public," she further added.

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Elsewhere, the government is also encouraging those from the lower income group to drive for Uber and Grab, as they are
subsidizing
 the purchase of a Proton Iriz by RM4,000. This only applies to those who qualify for the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) scheme.
Existing Uber and Grab drivers plus existing self-employed cabbies have more reasons to rejoice, as they will be covered under the
Employment Injury Scheme (EIS)
 by the Social Security Organisation (Socso). In the past, these self-employed cabbies had to purchase their own insurance.


All-New 2020 Honda Accord Launched In Malaysia From RM 185,900

After many, many months of watching in envy as the rest of the world received the all-new Honda Accord, we finally get our local launch despite seismic shifts in government and rather vague automotive policies. This is a huge step for Honda Malaysia as their D-Segment offering has been in severe need of a full model change for years.

There are two variants available – the 1.5 TC, and 1.5 TC-P – both powered by the turbocharged 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine that is available in much of Honda’s local model range. While we had hoped for the more potent turbocharged 2.0-litre powerplant, it would likely be too expensive to make it to our market and is positioned as a replacement for the large capacity V6 variants that we haven’t seen in a couple of Accord generations.

Pricing for the 1.5 TC stands at RM 185,900, while the 1.5 TC-P goes for 195,900 – both prices on-the road, without insurance. If we compare it to the old Accord 2.4 VTi-L, pricing has been bumped up by roughly RM 13,000 to RM 23,000 depending on how you want to look at it. Part of this is down to the changes in duty and taxation structure, while the other is the fact that this all-new model comes laden with more equipment.

In this state of tune, the powertrain produces 201 PS and 260 Nm of torque. Acceleration is around 9 seconds to get to 100 km/h from a standstill for the 1.5 TC, and 9.1 seconds for the 1.5 TC-P. Both models seem to be electronically limited to 190 km/h, and both models are paired with a CVT-type automatic transmission. Nothing unexpected from the engineers at Honda, but a robust powertrain that has been proven in other Honda models.

For those unfamiliar, this all-new Accord sits on an all-new platform, one that measures significantly larger than before. The wheelbase has increased by a whopping 54 mm to 2830 mm, while overall it is longer by 39 mm, wider by 13 mm, and taller by 16 mm, resulting in 4,901 mm, 1862 mm, and 1450 mm respectively.

Let’s get down to brass tacks – the features, so to speak, are what really set a model up for success and failure. Thankfully the all-new Accord comes loaded with a full suite of options, even if you pick the 1.5 TC. Standard features include:

Automatic LED headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED fog lights

Remote Engine Start

Walk Away Auto Lock

Smart Entry and Push Start

Cruise Control

Leather steering wheel

8-way power-adjustable driver seat

4-way power-adjustable passenger seat

Wireless Charger

8-inch Head Unit

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

2 USB Ports

10 Speakers

Voice Command

This is the same list of items for the 1.5 TC-P, but the distinction between the two variants come down to the safety features offered (and the fact that the 1.5 TC comes with 17-inch alloys while the 1.5 TC-P gets 18-inch alloy wheels). What you get for your extra money with the 1.5 TC-P is the Multi-view Camera System, Cross Traffic Monitor, Smart Parking Assist System, the entire Honda SENSING package (Front Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Watch, Lane Keep Assist System etc), and a Tyre Deflation Warning System.

But even if you don’t pick the higher spec variant, you still get your expected safety features like front, side, and curtain airbags, rear seat ISOFIX, Vehicle Stability Assist, Agile Handling Assist, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, four parking sensors at the front and rear, a rear view camera, and Honda LaneWatch. To find out how this all-new Accord drives, stay tuned for our review in a couple of months when we get our hands on the car.


Hakim Danish Tawan Mandalika – Negaraku Berkumandang 2 Kali

Pelumba muda negara, Hakim Danish telah menawan Litar Antarabangsa Mandalika! Negaraku berkumandang dua kali!

Beliau muncul juara pada perlumbaan Pertama dan Kedua Asia Talent Cup pada Grand Prix (GP)
Indonesia
 sekaligus mengungguli carta keseluruhan buat masa ini.

Pelumba berusia 15 tahun itu mengungguli perlumbaan pertama di Litar Antarabangsa Mandalika yang melibatkan 16 pusingan sejauh 68.816 kilometer dengan catatan masa 28 minit 8.357 saat.

Hakim yang bermula di petak kedua telah memecut meninggalkan pelumba Jepun, Shinya Ezawa di tempat kedua dengan perbezaan masa sebanyak 15.677 saat setelah pelumba Jepun itu mencatatkan masa 28:24.034 saat diikuti wakil tuan rumah, Reykat Fadillah di tempat ketiga dengan catatan masa 28:24.226 saat.

Sementara itu, tiga lagi pelumba negara iaitu Farish Hafiy menamatkan perlumbaan pertama di kedudukan kesembilan, Emil Izdhar ke-10 manakala Farres Putra gagal menamatkan perlumbaan.

Keesokan harinya, Hakim Danish Ramli sekali lagi membuktikan kemampuan terbaiknya selepas muncul juara dalam Perlumbaan Kedua Asia Talent Cup pada Grand Prix (GP) Indonesia.

Pada perlumbaan kedua di Mandalika, Hakim mempamerkan skill tunggangan yang sempurna apabila terus memecut laju dari petak kedua sebelum memimpin perlumbaan di awal saingan.

Meskipun sedikit ketinggalan di pertengahan perlumbaan, namun Hakim berjaya menyerap tekanan sebelum berjaya mengatasi dua pelumba Jepun di hadapannya dan mengakhiri saingan dengan catatan 28 minit 06.916 saat.

Pelumba Jepun, Gun Mie yang tunduk kepada Hakim pada saingan tersebut terpaksa berpuas hati mengakhiri perlumbaan tempat kedua, manakala Shinya Ezawa menduduki tempat ketiga.

Menerusi dua kemenangan berturut-turut tersebut di Mandalika, Hakim kini menduduki carta teratas keseluruhan selepas mengumpul 72 mata dan meninggalkan Ezawa di kedudukan kedua dengan perbezaan satu mata.

Seorang lagi pelumba Jepun, Amon Odaki kini berada di kedudukan ketiga keseluruhan dengan mengumpul 54 mata.

Sementara itu, seorang lagi pelumba negara, Farish Hafiy Farid Sezli mengakhiri saingan di tempat ke-13 dan Emil Izdhar Ezuan tempat ke-15, manakala Farres Putra Fadhill gagal menamatkan saingan di Litar Antarabangsa Mandalika.

Kejayaan menaiki podium buat kali kedua berturut-turut yang dilakar Hakim ini membuatkan lagu Negaraku dimainkan sebanyak dua kali di bumi Indonesia.

Kejayaan diraih pelumba kelahiran Terengganu itu mendapat perhatian Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu yang menzahirkan ucapan tahniah atas pencapaian membanggakan itu di laman Twitter rasmiya.

Tahun lalu, Hakim menamatkan saingan pertamanya di kedudukan kelima keseluruhan dengan mengumpul 57 mata. Namun beliau tekad untuk menjadi juara keseluruhan bagi perlumbaan Asia Talent Cup (ATC) 2022.

“Matlamat saya adalah untuk menjadi juara tetapi sudah tentu saya perlu mengambil langkah demi langkah untuk mencapai impian saya di ATC 2022,” ujar beliau dalam sebuah video yang dikongsikan sebelum ini.


KLIA Express (ERL) Fare Hike Could Mean Boon For Metered Taxis

You live within greater Kuala Lumpur, you’re presented with a few options when wanting to arrive quickly, comfortably, and safely at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (depending on your flight, that could be KLIA2): they usually were getting someone to send you there, take the ERL, or book a taxi.
That final option was not so much in favour compared to the others, but with the ERL service seeing a fare hike that’s to be implemented from January 1st, 2016 from RM35 to RM55, metered taxis are expected to see a surge in use to ferry travellers to the airport, Bernama writes.
The travellers, especially those in groups, would find taking a taxi directly to the airport to be more affordable and convenient compared to the taking the (now) more expensive ERL which requires you to arrive at KL Sentral beforehand. This prediction was expressed by Datuk Shamsubahrin Ismail, advisor to Syarikat Big Blue Premium Taxi, which has more than 800 taxi drivers registered under it.
During a press conference, he said: ”Four users will only have pay average fare of RM130 for blue taxi and RM60 for red taxi one way compared to the more expensive ERL fare of RM220. The taxi drivers are expected to make more trips and this will lead to higher income,"
Shamsubahrin said that trips by metered taxis to and from KLIA/KLIA2 are expected to double from 40 to 80 journeys per day to come with the expected rise in demand, adding: "The ERL fare of RM35 used to be competitive but not for long. As such, users cannot complain of high fare."
On December 1st, operators of the KLIA Express announced the fare hike, citing the rise of costs and labour as a primary reason, while also stating that the price has remained stagnant for 14 years since the service started. Public displeasure at the announcement was palpable, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was quick to temper that with the announcement that discounts of up to 50 percent will be given to certain ERL passengers such as students, senior citizens, and the disabled.
There are also travel card packages offered by ERL, aimed at frequent travellers, that can offer discounts of up to 40 percent off the usual RM55 fare, taking each journey to as low as RM33 (just shy of the current pre-hike fare).


Year-End Rewards Worth Up To RM11,000 For Selected Mitsubishi Models

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia is offering attractive holiday rewards with cash bonuses up to RM11,000 for selected Mitsubishi models
From now until 31 December 2017, cash bonuses for all Mitsubishi models/variants are as follows:
Selected Mitsubishi showrooms will also be organizing a Mitsubishi Buddies Carnival offering free car inspections by technicians certified by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), Japan.
During the carnival, visitors can enjoy free popcorn, hotdogs and cotton candy too.
The Mitsubishi Buddies Carnival will be taking place this month at the following Mitsubishi showrooms:
Within the same month, customers will also enjoy 20% off on all additives, 20% off on selected Mitsubishi genuine parts, and new BeadWax with an introductory price of RM19.90.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is currently represented by 53 showrooms (out of which 47 are 3S Centres) and 53 service outlets throughout Malaysia.  In East Malaysia, MMM is represented by 13 showrooms (6 in Sarawak and 7 in Sabah).


New GDI Engine To Power 2017 Proton Preve Facelift?

Proton’s new generation of engines may be ready to hit the market as early as next year in a facelifted version of the Proton Preve, according to a
report by
Funtasticko
. The Malay-language automotive website is a typically accurate source for Proton-related news.

The same website had also posted reader-submitted spyshots and video of a
Proton Exora
 test mule running along the NKVE escorted by a Honda Mobilio MPV. Both vehicles were using trade plates known to belong to Proton.

It was further elaborated that the Exora was carrying large barrels of water inside, suggesting that it the engineers may be testing the vehicle or powertrain’s load-carrying capacity.

It is
Funtasticko’s
 postulation that this Exora mule is serving as a testbed for Proton’s new petrol direct injection (GDI) engine – a reasonable assumption, however, since the Exora is an aged model with no real need for testing in its current design. The website also speculates that Proton may be introducing the new GDI engine into the Exora as well.

The
new modular engine family from Proton
 is currently being co-developed with UK-based engine specialists Ricardo. Much of the engine’s technology, particularly its valvetrain and fuel system, is derived from the Petronas-developed NE01 engine, which Proton bought over in 2012.

Speaking to
Carlist.my
 earlier this year
, Proton’s Chief Technical Officer En Rashid Musa revealed that the NE01 engine came with 17 engine technologies and 117 patents. The NE01 engine cost Petronas RM 1 billion to develop, but was acquired by Proton at a meagre cost of RM 63 million.

Upon full roll-out, Proton’s new engine family will have a total of six variants, with the most potent 1.5-litre turbocharged direct injection variant targeted to deliver 180hp and 250Nm.

The Proton Preve, launched in 2012, is in dire need of a makeover to keep itself up-to-date in the market. Initially available with a choice of naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-litre engines, the Preve and its hatchback sister, the Suprima S, is now powered exclusively by Proton’s 1.6-litre CFE turbocharged engine with rated outputs of 138hp and 205Nm. A new engine will go a long way to enhance its appeal to the market.


Takata Airbag Crisis: Frequently Asked Questions, What Should You Do?

With over 100 million cars from 14 car companies affected, the Takata airbag recall is the largest automotive recall in history. Majority of the recalls are in USA (60 million) and Japan (20 million), and it’s going to take several years before this recall can be completed.

Over in Malaysia, it is estimated that more than 620,000 cars from 6 different brands are affected.

Honda – 329,059 cars

Toyota – 145,685 cars

Nissan – 110,860 cars

Mitsubishi – 36,010 cars

Mazda – 1003 cars

Subaru - N/A (small number of cars only)

Scroll down to view the list of models involved in the recall.

How Do I Know If My Car Has Been Recalled?

Only Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mazda and Subaru models made between 2003 and 2013 are affected. The full list of models affected can be found at the end of this page.

If your vehicle make is not from any of the makes mentioned above, the recall doesn’t affect your car. Only cars fitted with Takata airbags that use ammonium nitrate propellants are affected by the recall. Cars with airbags made by other suppliers are not affected.

To confirm if your vehicle is involved in the recall, enter the VIN (chassis number) or call the respective customer care line.

Honda:
Enter VIN number here

Toyota:
Enter VIN number here

Nissan:
Enter VIN number here

Mitsubishi: Enter VIN number here -
For Lancer
 /
For Triton

Mazda:
Enter VIN number here

Subaru: 03-7956 2288

What’s a VIN?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is like your NRIC – it can’t be changed (the number plate can be changed) and this is why manufacturers use the VIN instead of number plate to trace your vehicle’s records.

The VIN plate is normally found around the engine bay (typically near the bulkhead or side frames), below the windshield or around the door frames.

Have the VIN with you before you call/e-mail the respective brand’s customer care. Considering the heavy volume of calls that are being made to these car companies, we recommend that you make use of the VIN check feature on their respective websites.

I own a grey-import car, how do I check if my vehicle is affected

There is no easy way to check, but going through Japan’s Ministry of Land Transport, Infrastructure and Tourism’s Road Transport Bureau website, we know that the Toyota Alphard – Malaysia’s most popular grey-import model – the ones made between 2002 and 2008 are affected. So are Mazda RX-8 models made between 2003 to 2008.

At the moment, manufacturers have yet to decide on what to do with grey-import cars, as their priority is to attend to customers who have bought a car from them.

A solution for grey-import cars should be announced at a later stage, as soon as their local offices have sorted out the logistics.

Update:
 Honda Malaysia will be providing replacement units for affected grey-import Honda cars. Details
here
. Still no updates on support for grey-import models of other affected brands though.

I have received the recall notice, but the service centre has no stock of replacement parts.

This is a real problem faced by many owners, not just in Malaysia, but all over the world.

With 100 million replacement parts required, there is no easy way to alleviate the acute shortage of replacement inflators. A car company that has been using Takata airbags can’t simply call AutoLiv or TRW to place an order for 50 or 100 million more inflators.

Worldwide, there is very little spare capacity in airbag producing plants, and different airbag makers produce different inflator designs. They are not necessarily compatible with the rest of the airbag module used by the vehicle.

Having said that, AutoLiv, TRW, and Daicel have since stepped in to help solve the crisis.

The situation is so severe that in the US, affected cars are being repaired according to their priority grouping, with older cars and those used in more humid regions given higher priority. Owners of newer cars, and those used in less humid regions, are made to wait longer.

Over here, there is no regulatory body to supervise the recalls to ensure older cars that need it most are given a higher priority.

Parts shortage is most chronic at Honda, which has the highest number of cars affected. For owners of Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan models, there is minimal or no waiting period. Customers who have made an appointment should be able to have their vehicle fixed within the same day. Some waiting period is to be expected for Mazda.

Update:
 Honda Malaysia has opened three temporary Central Hubs to further increase capacity for airbag inflator replacement. These three hubs will operate 7 days a week to provide additional centres for airbag inflator replacement. Customers can book their appointment with any of the Service Central Hubs by calling the Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020. Further details
here
.

Northern Hub
 (Next to S.M.J.K. Convent Dato’ Keramat School)

Address: No.401, Jalan Dato’ Keramat, 10150 Georgetown, Penang.

Central Hub
 - Soo & Sons Metal Works Sdn. Bhd. (Next to Columbia Asia Hospital, near Jaya One)

Address: Lot 15 Jalan 13/6, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Southern Hub
 - Oriental Assemblers Sdn. Bhd.

Address: 99 & 99A-C, Jalan Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.

In addition to that, Honda is also setting up 24 Mobile Hubs to service affected Honda customers.
Click to enlarge
.

Process flow for customers who have been notified by Honda Malaysia (click to enlarge):

Process flow for customers who have
not
 been notified by Honda Mala
ysia (click to enlarge):

Affected Honda customers who are unable to get their driver's airbag replaced will also be compensated RM50 per day.

While waiting for replacement parts, should I disable the airbag?

There is no easy way to answer for this. Experts in the US also couldn't agree on which advice is the best. Toyota USA recommends disabling the airbags but Consumer Reports and NHTSA disagrees, as disabling the airbags would mean a 100 percent chance of failure in an accident. Majority of the airbags recalled, especially those fitted on cars aged five years and below, are being recalled as a precautionary measure. It doesn't necessarily mean that it will kill you when deployed, but just that the chances of it happening are higher than acceptable limits.

Plus, the root cause of the problem is the unstable ammonium nitrate propellant used by Takata. There have been reports of airbags exploding even when the vehicle is stationary, or after experiencing a minor impact (similar to City in June's fatal accident with), suggesting that the airbags are being deployed without any electrical signals from the crash sensors (the impact is too minor to set off the crash sensors), so there is no guarantee that disabling the airbags will solve the problem.

If you feel more comfortable driving with the airbag(s) disabled, many cars now come with the option of disabling the passenger-side's front airbag (for safe installation of child seats at the front). Instructions on how to do this are in the vehicle's owner's manual. The driver's airbag can be disabled by pulling out the right fuse but please consult a trained technician before doing this yourself.

While waiting for replacement parts to arrive, is it safe to continue driving my car?

Not every vehicle recalled has a defective driver’s airbag (details in the list at the end of this page). For many models, only the front passenger’s airbag is affected. For these vehicles, you can still safely drive them but avoid putting any passenger on the front seat.

If your vehicle has been recalled to replace the driver’s airbag, if possible, avoid driving the vehicle anymore. Use services like Uber/Grab or car pool.

I received a recall notice, but I have already sold my car. Can’t manufacturers go to JPJ for the latest address?

In an ideal world, manufacturers should be able to walk into JPJ’s office in Putrajaya, pass them a thumbdrive that contains an Excel file with VIN (chassis number) of all the affected cars, and JPJ will email them a list of addresses. But unfortunately it doesn’t work that way.

Tracing an owner’s address based on the VIN (the vehicle registration number can be swapped) is not that straightforward as JPJ’s system is just not setup that way.

Plus, JPJ's records aren't necessarily updated either. Many people, myself included, haven't update their new home address with JPJ.

This is not a JPJ-only problem. The same challenge is experienced in the US as well. The US Department of Motor Vehicles is simply not able to provide manufacturers with a reliable list of addresses of the affected owners, and this explains why completion rate of Takata airbag replacements in the US stands at just 33 percent for cars aged nine years and above - not very different from Malaysia.

Without an overriding legal authority (which is why a regulatory body supervising recalls is needed), we are also not sure if this sharing of private details of vehicle owners is against Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

List of models sold in Malaysia affected by Takata's airbag recall:


Honda Malaysia Introduces Ultra Body Coating For All Models

Honda Malaysia has expanded its range of after-sales services by introducing the Ultra Body Coating – a certified paint protection system for all its models.
The Ultra Body Coating gives further protects the vehicle's paint surface from external heat, UV rays, and contaminants such as iron dust, bird droppings, tar and small stones.
The coating is made of a glass-based material with a lubricating function, conforming to the highest industry standards (9H Rating. This allows for easy maintenance and effective antifouling - retaining a showroom-like shine and maintaining the vehicle's long-term value and condition.
Honda Malaysia is offering the Ultra Body Coating at an introductory price of RM2,880 (inclusive GST) for all models with a three-year warranty. An annual checkup is required to be entitled to the three-year warranty.The warranty voids if the customer fails to attend annual checkups at the authorised Honda Access body coating applicator.
The package also includes free maintenance of two further visits after the initial application, once every six months in the first year. The third maintenance onwards will be charged, only if necessary, terms and conditions apply.
Honda customers who are interested can bring their cars to the nearest authorised panel applicator for the coating, or make arrangements through their respective dealers. The coating service will be available from 16th October 2017, except for Langkawi, Labuan, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.


D-Max, Hilux, Triton, Navara, Ranger: Which 4x4 Pickup Has The Best Resale Value?

Between the Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton - which 4x4 pickup has the lowest depreciation or best resale value?

Resale value is undoubtedly high on the priority list of every new car buyer, in addition to getting the car that suits you best and will reliably serve your needs, resale value is perhaps the third most important aspect of buying a brand new vehicle. This is even more crucial where strong residual value trends
favour only a handful of brands
, which of course deserve it, but also punish other brands and cars that are also intrinsically reliable and should command better resale values.

It is for this reason, Honda and Toyota will always have better second-hand value than
Hyundai
 and
Kia
, even though the latter two, in more recent memory also make reliable and superbly built cars. It’s not much different when it comes to pickup trucks – and considering the relative infancy of the genre in terms of being an alternative to
family sedans and SUVs
, the cruel mistress of buyer perception also afflicts some of these vehicles, more than others.

Are pickups any different in terms of resale value?

A pickup truck seemingly has two lives and purposes, while it may start as a lifestyle-centric macho truck, as it
approaches the used car market
, it starts to appeal to an entirely different audience who may require it for its usability and ruggedness to haul cargo or even do business. Therefore, it appeals both to private buyers and small businesses, which keep demand steady even after a few years.

Also, pickup trucks benefit from favourable taxation structures (which still gazette them as commercial vehicles) allowing them to be exempted from import and excise duties. With prices starting at just over RM90k (double-cab, automatic variants); one gets a lot of cars for the money, which makes them appealing at many price points depending on age and condition.

However, the market will still have its favourites. Therefore, let’s examine the relative depreciation of the top-spec models of the most popular pickup brands in Malaysia using the resources of iCarData.

What is iCardata?

iCarData
 is our in-house developed data-tracking platform that collates listing prices of every ad ever listed on Carlist.my. This effectively means iCarData can sieve through over
600,000 successful ads
 listed over the past few years and narrow its search down to the make, model, variant, and period the listing was added to our classifieds.

Hence, if we isolate a particular model – albeit of varying units and conditions as they’re advertised – we can track the market value, and to a greater extent market sentiment to provide a snapshot of how the resale prices of the pickup trucks have fared since they were sold new.

Methodology

This is easier said than done. As with any measure of value retention of any vehicle, many factors influence resale value.

Chief of which is the manufacturer, make and model, of course, because people usually only buy cars that they know will serve them well. However, there are quite a few other factors that used car buyers have to consider:

vehicle age

vehicle condition

maintenance costs

financing options

affordability

service history

vehicle desirability and prestige

overall brand value

Any one of the above factors can positively or adversely affect the overall demand for the vehicle. With that said, used car prices directly reflect all the above factors because as the saying goes - it's all about the money!

There’s a separate layer of complexity with pickup trucks as manufacturers often offer widely varying variants that accounts for different body styles, engines, transmission, loading capacities and even accessory fitments to offer just what their customers need.

Therefore, we will measure the depreciation of each of these models by using the top-spec automatic variant. We will have to leave out certain outlier variants such as the Ford Ranger 3.2L Wildtrak since its price range is above and beyond the general price range of other top-spec models in this list.

We have taken into account the following to keep our numbers accurate and representative:

Depreciation over a period 5 years; between 2016 and 2020,

Depreciation is calculated using the original list price in 2016 when the vehicle is bought brand new.

Depreciation percentage does not take into account special/ seasonal offers or rebates on the original selling price.

Depreciation for other variants may differ, in particular lower/ base spec and manual transmission variants.

Based on ICarData, here's the summarized data for depreciation:

Click to enlarge

The yearly depreciation by make and model is as follows:

Click to enlarge

The retained value by make and model is as follows:

Click to enlarge

The graphical analysis is as follows:

Click to enlarge

Conclusion

From the data, we can easily conclude that the
Toyota Hilux
 is the absolute champion of value retention and therefore resale value from this list of the best-selling pickup trucks in Malaysia. It beats the second-best Nissan Navara by nearly 10 percent, retaining up to 76 percent of its original value after five years.

Note that the Hilux's value retention is also the highest we've ever analysed using iCarData, beating out even the
iconic Honda City
, which retains around 60 percent of its original value after five years. Like the City, we can draw parallels to the Hilux - in both cases, brand trust, brand loyalty, and good aftermarket support are determinant factors in assuring high resale values.

With that said, all five models featured here retain more than 60 percent value after five years meaning trucks have amongst the strongest resale values in our market, certainly much better than most passenger sedans and SUVs. This makes them an ideal choice for buyers who want a reliable vehicle that they can keep for years and still hope to sell for a decent price later on.

We also observed a slight difference especially in the first and second-year depreciation of trucks that offer a lifestyle element - such as the Hilux,
Triton
 and
Ranger
 - versus ones that are more utilitarian in nature, like the
D-Max
 and Navara. The latter two have substantially higher rates of depreciation than the other models in the first two years, with prices only stabilising in the 4th- and 5th-year.

It's easy to see then, why the latest generations of the
D-Max
 and
Navara
 have also gone down the lifestyle route as this pays dividends in attracting lifestyle-centric buyers, which make up a large majority of the pickup truck market.


MINI Malaysia Introduces Special Countryman JCW For Chinese New Year

There's a new MINI in town. To celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rooster, MINI Malaysia has decided to introduce the Countryman JCW Design Edition. As MINI is known for, it's yet another one of the limited, low volume editions of a model in their existing lineup- but these limited run models help to add a personal touch to MINI ownership and gives the owner a fairly unique experience.
In essence, this Countryman JCW Design Edition is a Countryman JCW at heart. It has the 190 hp variant of the 1.6-litre turbo engine, and 0-100 km/h can be dealt with in 7.8 seconds. It's a quick hatchback, and the JCW exterior pieces also help to make it look a little more aggressive. Perhaps the largest differences lie in the racing stripes and the wheels, along with a projector mounted on the door that can display various images on the ground when the doors are opened.
The Countryman JCW Design Edition goes on sale for RM 242,888 with 5-Year Unlimited Mileage warranties and Free Scheduled Servicing. That's not a bad deal to have, along with a special 1.25% interest rate and a free Ultimate Protection Programme insurance policy from MINI Insurance. This offer, however, only goes on until March 31st- beyond which it's business as usual. But to be honest, if you're looking for a Countryman it may be worth waiting until the
next generation
 comes in.


BMW Launches 8 Series And M2 Competition In Singapore

When we look at our neighbours down south, it's a little difficult to not feel slightly envious. Despite their problems - the insane taxation system and car prices, constantly fluctuating high fuel prices, ludicrous hoops to jump through when it comes to car ownership, draconian Land Transport Authority regulations, and pedestrian speed limits - they still manage to get some of the more desirable cars in the world.
Most recent of these are two coupe models at either end of the sporting spectrum - both wearing a BMW badge. The larger of the two is the 8 Series Coupe, which carries on where the 6 Series Coupe left off. As you would expect in Singapore, it comes in a singular high-spec M850i xDrive Coupe variant - which is probably about as high as you can go short of a full-fat M8 model.
The suffixes represent an 8 Series with a couple of tweaks courtesy of BMW's M Division, packing a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine that pushes a solid 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque. All of that power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission that divides power across four wheels - not unlike the current BMW M5. It's a far more usable car with much sexier looks than the contemporary BMW offerings, and the perfect car to pair with Singaporean's urban sprawl.
At the other end of this duo is the M2 Competition, which is perhaps one of the most aggressive BMW models you can currently purchase. In all fairness, the regular M2 proved to be a little underwhelming - especially considering the size of the shoes it had to fill, as its predecessor was such an amazing vehicle to drive, buy, and own. The Competition variant rectifies some of this by including a more powerful, more sophisticated powertrain out of a BMW M3.
The figures that matter? It's a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine that makes a healthy 410 hp and 550 Nm, with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed M-DCT (double clutch transmission). There are plenty of carbon fibre items around the inside and out, but this tweaking has turned the M2 into more of a weapon than ever before, despite being more of an afterthought.
Prices are, as expected, astronomical. The M850i xDrive Coupe is to retail at SGD 588,888, while the M2 Competition goes for SGD 327,888. And yet despite these high entry requirements, you can be sure that these models will sell in fairly decent number.


In Russia, Holograms Put Inconsiderate OKU Parking Spot Abusers In Their Place

Disabled parking spaces are not for everyone. They are as the name suggests, for people who have disabilities. However, there are still
able-bodied scumbags
 who still don’t understand this. Which is why this campaign called “More Than A Sign” by Russian non-profit organisation Dislife is brilliant.
Using holograms, yes holograms, Dislife set up a thin air screen made with water dispersion with a projector behind it and rigged it to a camera. The camera would verify if there is a valid disabled driver sticker on the front or rear windshield of a car that is looking to park in the disabled spot.
If no sticker is detected, the hologram appears right before the driver’s eyes with an accompanying message that berates the idiocy and inconsiderate act of the driver.
Taking place in various shopping malls and business centres across Russia including the largest mall in Europe, the campaign is an excellent way to make drivers aware of the rights that their disabled counterparts have including the challenges they face daily.


Access Denied: The Best Cars Forbidden To Malaysian Buyers

In spite of ourselves, Malaysia is home to a rather diverse automotive market than perhaps most people realise, but there are still cars that remain elusive to the motivated buyer. Looking at other regions and countries, it becomes clear that a wider world exists beyond our grasp.

Here, we narrow down cars currently being sold elsewhere that are most worthy of entering Malaysian showrooms, irrespective of whether it’s likely to happen. This is a list of fantasy with cars that are very much a reality, elsewhere.

1. Suzuki Jimny

Despite looking more like a style statement than in its previous iterations, the newest Jimny is engineered to be all business where it matters. Suzuki marries a chunky body and styling nods to its past with a ladder frame chassis and a truly off-road-capable drivetrain.

Its 1.5-litre non-turbocharged four-cylinder isn't inspring, a bit breathless at highway speeds and lacking refinement, but neither is boot space unless you fold the rear seats, which are only accessible though the front doors, but that’s always been a trait of the 3-door-only Jimny.

All that does mean it’s economical and dead easy to manoeuvre in tight quarters, so it’s probably the only ‘city friendly’ SUV that isn’t just pretending to be tough and hardy. In a time when even the Land Rover Defender has become a little too hipster, this modest Japanese 4x4’s no nonsense mechanicals and plucky disposition is so very refreshing. And just look at how cool it is….

2.
Alfa Romeo Giulia

In their long history, few cars were as important to this automaker’s survival. The Giulia was preceded by cars that were a combination of commercial and critical disappointments, with the smaller Mito and Giulietta managing to keep their head above water.

Optimistic trepidation defined its unveil as it was meant to be a rear-drive, four-door to rival the best from BMW and Audi with an all-new engine line-up and bespoke platform. All the ingredients were there, but we’ve been lead astray before.

Thankfully, the car is a return to form - a true driver’s compact saloon with seductive looks, a strong and characterful powertrain package, and exceptional refinement levels (for an Alfa). It signalled an ongoing comeback story that continued shortly after with the Stelvio, and one we’d love to be celebrating from behind the wheel.

3. Peugeot 508

Peugeot’s resurgence most visibly began as with the 208, an impressive successor to the lacklustre 207. Then came the 308 and 3008, cementing their newfound design, handling mojo, even taking their build quality and reliability up a couple of notches.

The French automaker wanted to make a statement with the second-generation 508. Visually, it’s a lovely combination of a sedan with a coupe-ish fastback roofline, bolstered by a strong line-up of turbocharged engines and accompanying dynamics.

Inside, style clearly tops function, though the tiered i-Cockpit dashboard claims superior visibility and ergonomics. Even against cars like the Passat and the new Camry, the 508 still has the edge in ‘x-factor’.

4. Fiat 124 Spider

We love the MX-5, but so did Fiat with the newest 4th-generation ND. And instead of resurrecting their 124 nameplate from scratch, they looked to the most successful roadster ever made and reached out to Mazda. Frankly, it’s the smartest move Fiat has made in a good while.

The new 124 Spider, in spite of its restyled body, identical interior, and Fiat badges, is still very much a Japanese product, even made in Hiroshima alongside the MX-5. The main change is a lightweight 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder replacing the atmospheric 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G, lending a whole new personality to the open-top two-seater.

Though the 170hp output isn’t too impressive a figure, the surge of force-inducted torque from as low as 2,500rpm paired to husky exhaust note serves to set the car apart from the Mazda as a sensory experience. Needing just 6.8 seconds to reach 100km/h, it’s a fair bit more rapid than the MX-5 as well.

5. Alpine A110

A mid-engine Lotus, but French. A Cayman rival from a pseudo-Renault Sport. Roll up in one and you’ll make supercar drivers self conscious. Alpine’s got some solid history in the sports car game, and thankfully the A110 stays true to its namesake predecessor in all the right ways.

The fully aluminium body is very lightweight and styled to be both modern-day shapely and retro-inspired. It’s an arresting object to look at, but the Megane RS-sourced turbo four-cylinder delivers serious punch through an infinitely agile chassis and supple suspension.

Sexy, perfectly proportioned, drives amazingly, and sips fuel. To not like the A110 is to actively amplify every small niggle. For everyone else, this is almost the perfect sports car. ‘Need’ is not a strong enough word for us.

6. Seat Leon

The Volkswagen Golf is a landmark automobile, for sure, and one the Seat Leon owes its very life to. Consistently, though, the Spanish counterpart’s spicier take on the German hatch has been a little more fun to see unfold.

The body is more squat, the lines are sharper, the handling a little more driver-focused, and at the top end of the range, hugely quick. The Leon Cupra has 300hp plus all the technical prowess of the latest from Wolfsburg. We’re on the verge of an all-new Leon, too, which again should be a salsa-infused version of the newest Golf.


LA 2018: BMW M340i xDrive – Six-cylinder, AWD, 374 hp

BMW has pulled the covers off its (G20) M340i xDrive. The most powerful variant of the
next-generation BMW 3 Series range
 (until the BMW M3 comes along) will celebrate its world premiere at the upcoming 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show.
Slated for launch in Europe in July 2019, the M340i xDrive will pack a raft high-performance technology, namely a newly-developed turbocharged inline-six petrol engine, a rear-biased AWD system, and an M Sport differential.
The 3.0-litre engine features BMW’s (Valvetronic) variable valve control and (Double Vanos) variable camshaft control and is fed by a twin-scroll turbocharger. The powerplant produces 374 hp and maximum torque of 500 Nm, a sizeable gain of 48 hp and 50 Nm over the previous generation unit.
The BMW M340i xDrive comes as standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which in its latest generation features an optimised hydraulic control system for faster gearshifts. Shorter ratios for the lower gears and the addition of a Launch Control function helps the M340i xDrive to a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds – half a second faster than the previous generation (F30) BMW 340i.
Power is sent to all four-wheels through BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system equipped as standard with the M Sport differential. The xDrive system is designed to become increasingly rear-biased when the driver shifts to the ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ drive modes.
In terms of the suspension – the M340i receives M Sport suspension, which lowers the overall ride height a further 10 mm, and comprises ‘M specific’ absorber kinematics and the new lift-related damper control function. The suspension geometry has also been tweaked for a wider track and better wheel camber angles over the regular variants.
The M340i is fitted as standard with an M Sport brake system which features a four-piston fixed calliper at the front and a single piston floating calliper at the rear. 18-inch M light alloys feature as standard, additionally, a suite of optional 19-inch wheels are also available.
In terms of aesthetics – the M340i features a redesigned front bumper, side sills and rear bumper for better aerodynamics, and the unique mesh style front grille inlays, along with mirror caps, air intake struts tailpipe trims, and the model lettering are all finished in Cerium Grey metallic.
On the inside - M-specific upholstery in a Sensatec/Alcantara trim compliments the anthracite BMW Individual roof liner, the M leather-clad steering, and aluminium Tetragon shift paddles. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster bears the lettering “M340i”.


SDAC Announces CNY Sales Promotion - Extended With Additional Goodies

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia is ushering in the Lunar New Year by extending its prosperity sales promotion for the Ranger, Focus and Fiesta models, as well as discounts on parts and labour.
From now to February 28th, 2018, those who purchase either a Ranger WildTrak or Ranger XLT will receive rebates up to RM5,000, shopping vouchers plus free limited-edition angpow packets.
New Ford Ranger XLT owners will also enjoy five years or 100,000 km free maintenance with purchases done during this promotion period.
For customers who are keen on the car line-up, the Ford Fiesta or Ford Focus can be purchased with rebates up to RM23,000, three years free maintenance and five years warranty.
“As we usher in the year with more luck, longevity, happiness and prosperity, these exclusive deals are ideal value for existing owners looking for an opportunity to upgrade or new customers looking to be proud Ford owners,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
Loyal Ford owners are also in for a treat, as SDAC is offering a free, 27-point vehicle inspection. Selected parts such as brake, timing belt and lubricant-package are entitled to up to 20 percent discount, while 10 percent discount is offered on labour charges on selected packages.
“Alongside our year-round commitment to offer a great ownership experience, these deals also show our appreciation to loyal Ford customers for their support over the years,” Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz continued.
Customers who spend more than RM350 on a single tax invoice will also receive free Ford merchandise available only at authorized dealers. This nationwide promotion is valid until February 17th, 2018 while stocks last


JPJ detected a lot more Rohingya people driving in Kelantan

The Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ) filed issued over 340 summonses to immigrants and foreigners for driving vehicles belonging to locals in Kelantan, particularly the Rohingya people.

A recent post by
Harian Metro
 reported that the numbers have indeed increased in the past year where immigrants and foreigners in the state were caught driving rented cars or used cars purchased from locals and driving them without any valid licences.

Around 30 vehicles were confiscated in 2022

The
report
 also stated that within the rising numbers of immigrants operating vehicles (particularly around Kota Bharu), the majority of them were of the Rohingya people. This has resulted in over 30 cars being confiscated due to a number of traffic violations.

The Kelantan JPJ director also mentioned that apart from issuing summonses to the immigrants without valid driving licences, additional actions were also taken against their employers who were found guilty of allowing their vehicles to be used as well as having to physically appear in court for further actions.

No driving allowed for illegal immigrants

*Image credit: Astro Awani

The Road Transport Department of Malaysia also reminded that locals are not allowed to give illegal immigrants (PATI) any access or permission to operate their vehicles to avoid any issues if or when there's any traffic violation or incident.

In total, Kelantan recorded around RM6.1 million in compound collections last year which involved over 29,000 compounds issued in 2022.


Next Generation Of BMW Models Will Respond To You Just Like Ironman's Jarvis

At the ongoing Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, BMW is showcasing the BMW Natural Interaction, a new system that merges advanced voice command technology with gesture control and gaze control to revolutionize how drivers interact with their cars.
The BMW Natural Interaction allows drivers to use their voice, gesture, and gaze to interact with their vehicle, much like how Ironman communicates with his personal assistant, Jarvis. The BMW Natural Interaction system utilizes speech recognition technology to listen to what the driver is saying accurately. The voice command system is a natural evolution of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is currently limited to just voice commands.
In addition to that, the BMW Natural Interaction also features an array of high-definition cameras and infrared light signals to detect precise hand and finger movements in three dimensions, thus determining an accurate finger direction.
The final piece of the puzzle is an intelligent learning algorithm that constantly learns the habits of the driver – when combined, allows the driver to interact with his or her BMW like never before.
As a result, drivers are able to interact with their vehicle on a whole new level - they can now point a finger to a building and issue a command. Drivers can now get details of a building, book a reservation at a fancy restaurant, or even buy movie tickets thanks to the new BMW Natural Interaction system.
According to the Munich-based firm, the first model to carry the BMW Natural Interaction will be the BMW iNEXT, primed for a 2021 debut.


Jenson Button Smashes Mount Panorama Circuit’s FWD Lap Record In (FK8) Civic Type R

The (FK8) Honda Civic Type R has placed yet another feather in its cap, by setting the fastest ever lap time of the Mount Panorama circuit in a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) production car.
Piloted by former F1 driver Jenson Button, the FK8 stormed to a new lap record of 2 minutes and 35.207 seconds (2:35.207) at the iconic 6.213 km long circuit located in Bathurst, Australia.
The incredibly challenging track is essentially a public road 350 days in a year and is made up of 23 corners and a 174-metre vertical difference between its lowest and highest points, not to mention gradients as steep as 16 percent.
Button already holds the unofficial lap record for the Mount Panorama circuit, a spectacular 1:48.8 lap time set in a Formula One car in 2011, so it was fitting that he was the driver to set a benchmark time in the Civic Type R.
The time attack at Bathurst was inspired by the ‘Type R Challenge 2018’ program, which saw a team of Honda racing drivers break front-wheel drive production car records at a range of legendary European racetracks in a standard production Honda Civic Type R with road tyres – eclipsing  previous records set by the last generation (FK2) Civic Type R. This is the first time the Type R Challenge has taken place outside of Europe.
Prior to this, Button was part of the final leg of the planned series of lap record attempts across Europe in 2018; his 2:10.19 lap around the Hungaroring Grand Prix circuit in Hungary was a new record, occurring at the same location where he won the first Grand Prix of his career with Honda in 2006.
In addition to the Mount Panorama and Hungaroring lap records, the FK8 Type R also holds the FWD production car
lap record of the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife
 circuit in Germany; where it smashed the former lap record – of the Golf GTi Clubsport – by over 5 seconds.
For the latest deals on the Honda Civic Type R, click
here
.


The Rock Sideswiped A Parked Pickup Truck, Responds With Class

The Rock or Dwayne Johnson is a pretty cool guy. You may have heard of him from the
Fast and Furious
 franchise and most recently, the movie
San Andreas
.
As big of a Hollywood star he is, accidents still can happen behind the wheel and the professional wrestler turned actor is no exception. This incident was posted on his
official Instagram account
 where The Rock was driving along in his pickup truck with the “music blasting” when he accidentally sideswiped another pickup parked by the side of the road and damaging its side mirror.
Being the nice guy that he is, the actor made a turn back to the pickup, met the owner of the parked truck and owned up to his mistake which resulted in the damage.
The owner, Mr. Audie Bridges of Wakefield, Massachusetts didn’t take too long to identify Dwayne Johnson standing in front of him and said “Wow, this is gonna be an awesome story!” The two got to talking and soon exchanged details with Johnson agreeing to pay for the damages but Bridges refused to take The Rock’s money in the end.
Even with his fame and fortune, it’s certainly pleasant to know that The Rock is still a class act which is a good example for others to follow while out there on the road.


2022 Kia Carnival CKD 7-Seater And 8-Seater Officially Launched! From RM229,888

The new
2022 Kia Carnival CKD
 7-seater and 8-seater models are now officially launched here in Malaysia, with prices starting from RM229,888 (basic selling price).

Being the first Kia model to be locally assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, the brand's new distributor (Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd) will be offering the
new Kia Carnival
 in three different variants with two seating configurations (7-seater & 8-seater). Being manufactured in Kulim, the 2022 Carnival will not just be for the local Malaysian market but also for export to our ASEAN neighbours. That will, however, only happen at a later date after orders for the domestic market are fulfilled.

Kia Carnival 2.2L 8-Seater - RM231,228

Kia Carnival 2.2L 8-Seater (High) - RM247,228

Kia Carnival 2.2L 7-Seater (High) - RM261,228

New design identity from Kia - 2022 CKD Kia Carnival

The fourth-gen Carnival offers a 'sense of solidity and an upgraded appearance' thanks to Kia's new design identity. The most noticeable feature, of course, is its new 'tiger face' front end which blends seamlessly with the Kia 'tiger-nose' front grille.

All variants come with the same LED lighting package which includes its dual front headlights, daytime running lights, rear combination taillights, and front fog lights. Only the rear fog lights and reverse lights are using bulbs.

Exterior-wise is the same across the board for all three variants of the new Kia Carnival, with the exception of a dual power sunroof with sliding and tilt glass available for the 8-seater High and 7-seater High variants (not available for the base 8-seater Mid).

All models are also fitted with the same 18-inch alloy wheels (234/60 R18) wrapped in Goodyear rubbers with a spare 17-inch wheel for emergencies. Hiding behind those are ventilated discs with MacPherson struts handling the front and solid discs mounted at the rear with a multi-link suspension setup.

The CKD 7-seater and 8-seater Kia Carnival also comes with 40% local content, meaning 40% of the vehicle components are made or sourced locally, including the seats. There are also plans afoot for the 11-seater Kia Carnival to be CKD'ed in the near future.

2.2-litre turbodiesel with 199hp & 440Nm of torque

Performance comes in the form of the Smartstream D4HE 2.2L turbodiesel CRDi inline-four engine which produces
199hp
 @ 3,800rpm and
440Nm
 of torque from 1,750rpm. It's the same for all three 2WD variants, including the eight-speed automatic 'E-Shift' transmission.

The top speed is set at 190km/h, but more importantly, the new Kia Carnival has a fuel efficiency of only 6.5L/100km, which is also the same for all variants. Quite a way to go when paired with its 72-litre fuel tank capacity.

Same interior setup, different seating configurations

The driver gets to enjoy the Kia Carnival's leather-wrapped steering wheel, but the instrument cluster is different depending on the variant of your choice. The base 8-seater Mid gets a 4.2-inch TFT-LCD cluster, while the other two come ready with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

At the centre of it all lies a 12.3-inch capacitive infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven USB ports in total, a wireless charger, and 12 high-end speakers courtesy of Bose. The only thing that's different is that the base Carnival gets a reverse camera, while the other two get the Surround View Monitor (SVM).

The front seats have eight-way power adjustability, but the driver gets an extra four-way lumbar adjustment for added comfort (two-way for the 8-seater Mid). While the leather seats might look the same (leatherette for 8-seater variants), only the two High models get memory, heated, and ventilation functions.

Smart Power Sliding Doors for all

Those sitting at the back, particularly the second row, get to enjoy the new Kia Carnival the most. Once you enter the cabin via the Smart Power Sliding Doors, you'll find enough seating comfort and space for three adults in the second row for the bottom two variants.

The 7-Seater High model gets the more premium 'Relaxation Seats' for two with a centre walk-through for easier access to the third-row seats. The third-row setup is the same for all - a 60:40 pop-up and sinking seats finished in leather for the range-topping 7-seater High and leatherette for the two 8-seaters.

Advanced safety tech (only for High models)

The standard safety features like seven SRS airbags, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), Hill-start Assist (HAC), and ISOFIX anchors are available as standard across all three models of the new Kia Carnival.

If advanced safety features are what you're after, then you can either choose between the 8-seater High or 7-seater High variants, which are fitted with some additional specs that are not available in the base 8-seater Mid. These are:

High Beam Assist (HBA)

Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) with Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)

Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)

Lane Keep Assist (LKA) & Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning

Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

Price - 2022 CKD Kia Carnival

The locally-assembled 2022 Kia Carnival is now open for booking with prices as follows (OTR without insurance):

Kia Carnival 2.2L 8-Seater - RM231,228

Kia Carnival 2.2L 8-Seater (High) - RM247,228

Kia Carnival 2.2L 7-Seater (High) - RM261,228

These prices also come with five years manufacturer's warranty and free scheduled maintenance (up to 100,000km, whichever comes first).

Five colour options are available - Astra Blue, Sonic Silver, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl and Meteor Gray.


Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer Launched In Malaysia – RM149,888

Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Citroën vehicles in Malaysia has officially introduced the 7-seater Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer.
The Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 167 PS and 240 Nm of torque from 1,400 rpm. The engine is paired to a six-speed conventional automatic gearbox. Citroen claims a combined fuel efficiency of 5.8 liters/100km.
Based on the larger PSA Group’s EMP2 platform – the C4 SpaceTourer offers flexible seating for seven, courtesy of its seven full-sized individual seats. The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats are also retractable to expand boot volume when needed, from 632 liters original boot space to a whopping 2,181 liters with the last two seat rows folded. The C4 SpaceTourer also features a powered hands-free tailgate with height memory, which works by placing your foot under the rear bumper to open or close the boot.
Moving to the inside, the Grand C4 SpaceTourer is trimmed with Citroen’s Hype Grey trim package. The dashboard boasts a 12-inch HD color panoramic central display is complemented by a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit just below. Standard connectivity features include Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Mirrorlink, and USB.
On the outside, the C4 SpaceTourer's unique headlight design is complemented by LED DRLs on the upper tier and Bi-Xenon headlamps further down. The taillamp design echoes that of the headlights with what Citroen calls 3D-lights. Along the flanks, the C4 SpaceTourer features 17-inch “Boa” alloy rims.
Standard safety equipment includes 6-airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist. Active safety features include Driver Attention Alert, Speed Limit Recognition, and Active Safety Brake which intervenes when it detects an imminent collision.
The Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer is available in Ruby Red, Lazuli Blue, Onyx Black, and Polar White, priced at RM149,888.00 OTR inclusive of a 5-year/ 120,000km warranty and 24-hour Roadside Assistance. For a limited time, customers will also receive a 3-year free service package.


This Carbon-Fibre EV Race Car Hits 0-100km/h In 1.4 Seconds!

EVs or
electric cars
 are known for their supreme acceleration prowess, but this
carbon-fibre race car
 has turned it up into an extreme realm.

A team of 20 students from the University of Stuttgart has built a single-seater
EV race car
 codenamed "E0711-11 EVO" that has set a new world record for the fastest 0-100km/h run. The Guinness Book of World Records has confirmed this with a time of 1.461 seconds!

Carbon-fibre EV race car weighs only 145kg

The 20 students from GreenTeam built this tiny EV beast at the Bosch Research Campus in Renningen, Germany. Using primarily carbon fibre, the entire unit weighs just under 145kg and that's accounting for its EV powertrain which includes a 245hp electric motor with an all-wheel-drive system.

This thing accelerates so hard that it can register a massive 2.5g of peak acceleration. To put things into perspective, a bonafide
Formula 1 race car
 accelerates at around the 2g mark. With everything put together for its second run after a disastrous first attempt earlier this year, the students succeeded in breaking the EV 0-100km/h world record in September.

Very fast, very short run

The record-breaking run was posted on the team's official YouTube channel. While everything on paper points towards a very exciting future for EVs and motorsports in general, the run itself was seen as a bit anti-climatic as it was fast and short, but the results are indeed sweet.

According to Professor Wolfram Ressel, Rector of the University of Stuttgart, "The University of Stuttgart is proud that the GreenTeam has succeeded in setting a new record for the acceleration of e-vehicles. I'm really excited about what our students have accomplished. Studying at university not only means acquiring theoretical knowledge, but also being able to apply it in practice. The GreenTeam's commitment is an excellent example of how knowledge transfer can succeed."


New Teslas without parking sensors are TERRIBLE?

Tesla
 is in a unique role when it comes to saving money but its latest antic involving the removal of parking sensors from their newer cars is just...well...terrible.

New Tesla models that just rolled off the factory like the Model 3 and Model Y (from December 2022 onwards) are said to no longer have front and rear parking sensors, according to
CarExpert
. Surely Tesla is doing this because they have the latest tech to replace this ancient parking tech that has been around for decades, right?

Those seemingly cheap ultrasonic parking sensors are out of the way for good and these new Tesla models are relying on the Tesla camera vision - a tech that constructs an image of the vehicle's surroundings. Is it any good? Not according to an EV dealer (and Tesla owner) based in the UK.

Basic parking situations were put to the test and the results are not a 'unique selling point' for these newer Teslas. We're pretty sure that the folks over at Tesla are working hard to settle this pretty serious issue, but until then, those parking sensors can be heard singing the words "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".


Perodua Tidak Bercadang Naikkan Harga Kereta – Rancang Turunkan Harga Alat Ganti

Sebagai pengeluar kereta tempatan
mampu milik
, Perodua tidak merancang untuk menaikkan harga keretanya meskipun terdapat banyak cabaran yang dihadapi ketika ini.

Antara cabaran tersebut termasuklah gangguan dari segi penghasilan yang disebabkan oleh kekurangan bahan seperti
cip semikonduktor
, COVID-19 dan peningkatan harga bagi alat-alat yang terlibat dalam pembuatan kereta.

Walaupun dikekang dengan cabaran-cabaran tersebut, Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perodua, Dato’ Zainal Abidin menjelaskan bahawa syarikat tersebut akan berusaha sedaya upaya untuk meresap kenaikan harga tersebut dan tidak bercadang untuk memindahkan beban kenaikan harga itu kepada pengguna.

Sebaliknya, Zainal menjelaskan bahawa mereka sedang merancang untuk menurunkan lagi harga alat ganti bagi kereta keluaran Perodua. Ini sedikit sebanyak dapat membantu mereka yang sedang sesak pendapatan, tambah-tambah bagi mangsa banjir yang tidak mengambil insurans bencana alam.

Secara tidak langsung, tindakan ini bukan sahaja dapat memberikan harga terbaik kepada pengguna, malah ia turut membantu dalam menarik semula pengguna Perodua untuk kembali ke pusat servis Perodua yang berdaftar untuk melakukan servis.

Untuk rekod, Perodua telah menjual 190,291 kenderaan pada 2021, iaitu 13.6% kurang berbanding 220,163 kenderaan yang didaftarkan pada 2020. Meskipun mencatatkan penurunan, Perodua menjangkakan dapat meningkatkan bahagian pasarannya kepada 40.6% tahun ini dengan mendaftarkan 247,800 kenderaan berbanding 37.4% bahagian pasaran pada 2021.

Pada tahun ini, Perodua meramalkan pasaran negara mampu mencatatkan sebanyak 610,000 TIV keseluruhan kerana syarikat tersebut percaya pasaran Malaysia mampu melepasi sasaran 600,000 TIV keseluruhan yang ditetapkan oleh Persatuan Automotif Malaysia. Sasaran Perodua adalah untuk menghasilkan sebanyak 265,900 unit kenderaan iaitu 37.5 % lebih tinggi berbanding 193,400 unit kenderaan yang dihasilkan pada 2021.

Peningkatan dalam pengeluaran secara tidak langsung akan membawa peningkatan pembelian alat ganti automotif sumber tempatan sebanyak 41.5% iaitu kepada RM7.5 bilion berbanding RM5.3 bilion yang dibeli pada 2021.

Untuk tahun 2022, permintaan bagi kesemua semua model Perodua masih kukuh, dengan
Myvi
 mendahului dengan mencatatkan sebanyak 47,525 unit diikuti
Axia
 43,080 unit,
Bezza
 42,698 unit,
Ativa
 26,847 unit,
Aruz
 15,313 unit dan
Alza
 14,828 unit.

Merujuk kepada banjir yang berlaku pada Disember dan awal Januari tahun ini, Perodua telah menerima hampir 2,103 kes banjir di seluruh negara dan daripada jumlah tersebut, 366 kenderaan telah dibaiki dan dikembalikan kepada pemilik masing-masing.

Kemasukan kenderaan Perodua ke pusat servisnya adalah sebagai tindakan kepada
Program Bantuan Banjir Perodua
 yang ditawarkan terdiri daripada diskaun 50% untuk alat ganti standard, kos buruh percuma untuk semua penggantian dan pembaikan serta perkhidmatan tunda percuma 24 jam melalui nombor hotline Perodua 1800-88-5555.

Selain itu, Kementerian Kewangan pada 7 Januari 2022 telah mengumumkan inisiatif baucar RM1,000 untuk membantu rakyat Malaysia yang kenderaan mereka rosak akibat banjir. Baucar diskaun automotif yang bertarikh luput pada 31 Mac 2022, boleh digunakan untuk membuat tuntutan terhadap pembaikan kenderaan persendirian yang rosak akibat banjir atau untuk menggantikan kenderaan yang mengalami kerosakan
total lost
.

Jika apa yang diramalkan Perodua untuk tahun ini bakal menjadi realiti, nampaknya tak lama lagi pengguna Perodua di seluruh negara bakal menikmati harga alat ganti kereta yang lebih murah berbanding harga yang ditawarkan ketika ini di samping tiada penambahan harga terhadap kereta yang sedia ada keluaran Perodua.


Watch This Small Electric Monster Set A New 0-100 KM/H World Record

What’s your favourite supercar?
Ferrari
 LaFerrari?
McLaren
 P1? Or even the mighty Bugatti Veyron? Whatever your choice, it will never make the century sprint (0-100km/h) faster than this pint-sized electric-powered monster created by GreenTeam Formula Student participants from the University of Stuttgart.

The students have managed to set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 1.779 seconds. That’s nearly half that of many modern supercars and trounces the previous record held by ETH Zürich by 0.006 seconds.

See that small thing that looks like a miniaturised Formula 1 car? That all-wheel drive vehicle is powered by four electric motors which draw power from a 6.62kWh battery pack. Combined output is a mere 134hp (100kW) but the whole thing weighs just 160kg. This gives it a power to weight ratio of just 1.6 kg/kW. In comparison to other vehicles, it just loses out to a Formula 1 racer (1.0 kg/kW) but edges out big names like the Bugatti Veyron Supersport (2.08 kg/kW) and a Porsche 918 Spyder (2.50 kg/kW).

Priska Schmid was the person behind the wheel during the record attempt at JadeWeserAirport which according to rules, requires runs in both directions are needed to qualify for a new record.

We can’t even begin to imagine what it must feel like to accelerate that fast but score one for electric-powered vehicles!


How COVID-19 Will Influence Future Car Interiors

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on the automotive sector globally. With production and logistics operations almost at a standstill and the slowdown in demand amidst economic uncertainty - the current timeline is a pivotal point for the future of the car in its entirety.

But amidst the challenges, COVID-19 is also proving something else the auto industry is excellent at - their unyielding ability to adapt to changing conditions.

It's not all bad though, while not as many cars might be driving out showroom doors - the slowdown has given carmakers a chance to step back and reevaluate other aspects of their business. We see an increase in digitalisation in the buying process, creative ownership programs, and some are even aiding the medical industry in fighting the pandemic.

Kia USA preparing medical use face shields for COVID-19 frontliners

This has also given designers and engineers more time in rethinking the execution of their products. In particular, how this pandemic might influence the interior design and equipment of future cars.

In an interview with
Automotive News
, Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG said, "The pandemic will change our perception of how we experience safety and luxury in the future,” Wagener says, predicting that the two will become much more intimately intertwined. “This can be a challenging but exciting time.”

Luxury and safety

Carmakers have always tried to strike a balance between the contrasting aspects of luxury and safety, however, in recent time, carmakers are exploring ways of making the interior of the car a zone where the occupants feel safe.

For certain markets, luxury and safety can mean good driver and occupant safety, but in countries like Mexico and Brazil, cars have to protect from robbery and kidnappings.

Now with the pandemic, the criteria for a safe interior must take into account both physical and mental health.

Felix Kilbertus, the head of exterior design for Rolls-Royce adds, besides being safe, the interior of a car needs to allow its customers to do more, like hold business meetings. This is where safety, security, and connectivity become one.

Clean air zone

Now more than ever, everyone wants to breathe clean air. Not just free from viruses and bacteria, but also harmful pollutants and odours.

Today we see an increase of the interior of cars becoming like a fortress of solitude or even a spa - with most high-end premium cars offering scented cabin fragrances, ambient lighting for relaxation, sublime sound systems, and even massage functions on seats.

Volvo CleanZone multi-filter system

But now with the added measure of health, carmakers are looking at ways of not just filtering the air but conditioning it.

Hence, interiors of the future will likely see more complex air management systems.

Examples of this are Volvo's air quality monitors and filter systems, Infiniti's plasma cluster ion generator which sterilizes pathogens, blocks out particulate matter in the air, or even Peugeot-Citroen's negative-ion generator which kills mould and bacteria, and dissolves harmful gases.

Tesla's HEPA filter system undergoing testing

There are others, such as Tesla's HEPA filtration system, or Rolls-Royce state of the art, activated charcoal purifying system.

But Mercedes-Benz is looking even further, such as filtering the air just outside the car As Wagener adds, “We are working toward the idea that the car could actually take bad things out of the air, almost clean the air. It’s an opportunity to address the sustainability issue that we have already been considering."

Privacy and invisibility cloak

A new word that will surely become more prevalent is privacy. Beyond keeping you safe, connecting you to the world, and cleaning the air you breathe, cars of the future will offer privacy to its occupants.

More than just sunshades and blinds, Rolls-Royce is working on ways to totally isolate the outside from its occupants, and provide recording studio levels of quiet.

Hence we may see new materials being used in sound deadening and insulation technology.

But not just for the inside, what if you wanted to disappear entirely - well Mercedes-Benz started working on "invisibility cloaks", using complex LED and camera systems to literally let a car mimic its surrounding, way back in 2012.

This, just in case if you prefer to hide from criminals, prying eyes, or even to keep your car safe when parked.

Felix Kilbertus, the head of exterior design for Rolls-Royce says that the company is already working on it. “It’s a car that could move so quietly, so discreetly, that it would go undetected from outside threat.”

While the technology may still be a few years off, these conceptual ideas will spear forward the direction of car design, and more widely, the car's relevance in daily human life.

2020 Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR - inspired by AVATAR

Once more showing a trait of the industry as a whole that is so intrinsically human-like at its core... the ability to adapt and evolve.


Great Wall ORA Haomao or ‘Good Cat’ EV Could Be A Game-Changer

Thailand’s automotive market is soon to receive a new EV entrant in the form of the Good Cat (lol), also known as the Haomao, from Great Wall Motors sub-brand ORA. The small electric hatch has been recently previewed there alongside the
HAVAL H6 SUV
 in preparation for a larger four model rollout planned for 2021.

These are the first vehicles to emerge from GWM’s big investment in Thailand which will see the Southeast Asian country become the automaker’s regional manufacturing and research hub, which will presumably include both combustion-powered SUVs and electric vehicles from the get-go.

This, together with the confirmation of Tesla’s
re-entry into Singapore
 as well as the prospect of a
multi-EV roadmap
 from Vietnamese automaker Vinfast, does make Malaysia’s relative performance look pretty lacklustre by comparison.

Excusing its odd direct translation name, the Haomao itself is one of the more impressive vehicles to come out of the Chinese automaker. Its general shape might suggest dimensions similar to a B-segment hatch such as the Perodua Myvi or Honda Jazz, but it in fact, measures both longer and wider.

The Haomao looks pretty chic with its retro-inspired body and two-tone colour options that are clearly taken out of
MINI’s playbook
. Sitting on the unfortunately named ‘GWM Lemon’ platform, the car features a front-wheel-drive layout with its single 145PS/210Nm electric motor sat above the front axle.

Supplying charge is a lithium-ion battery, of course, but buyers will be able to choose between capacities of 47.8kWh and 59.1kWh, the latter capable of powering the car for up to 500km in between trips to the plug. In addition to slower AC charging, a recharge time to 80% in under 30 minutes is possible when plugged in to fast DC stations, according to the automaker.

Its interior is another area where ORA has spent much effort on. Though not all that much is known about its finer points, the cabin looks to be a step up in material quality and build integrity than what we’re used to seeing from GWM. There’s a dual-screen infotainment and digital instrument cluster combo similar to
the latest Mercedes-Benz vehicles
 as well as an ornamented rotary drive selector.

In addition to the obvious benefits of an electric car, the Haomao also comes loaded with some pretty impressive driver assistance and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. As well as AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic alert features, GWM has included their intelligent self-parking suite.

Though HAVAL’s Malaysian brand presence has been maintained, it certainly has been much quieter recently compared to its more tenacious introductory period in 2016. Though
local assembly
 of the H2 has been underway in Gurun, Kedah by Go Auto, it’s possible that all regional production and assembly will be shifted to Thailand before long.


Review: Toyota GR Yaris – Hot Hatch Yang Boleh Buat Lelaki Menangis

Selain tersepak bucu almari serta lebihan kulit yang tersekat di zip seluar,
Toyota GR Yaris 2021
 juga mampu untuk membuat (sesetengah) lelaki menangis!

Tapi bukanlah tangisan penyesalan atau kesakitan, namun lebih kepada tangisan kegembiraan yang tak boleh nak diungkapkan sepenuhnya melalui kata-kata sahaja.

Mungkin penulis sahaja yang merasa sebegitu, tapi nampaknya penulis tidak keseorangkan kerana GR Yaris ini telah terjual di Malaysia ibarat pisang goreng panas meskipun harga jualannya menghampiri RM300,000.

GR Yaris Menjadi Kegilaan Dunia

Kegilaan terhadap GR Yaris ini bukan hanya berlaku di Malaysia, malah turut berlaku di seluruh dunia. Sebabnya, model ini hanya dihasilkan sebanyak
25,000
 unit sahaja untuk seluruh dunia dan pasaran negara ini hanya menerima sekitar
200
 unit sahaja.

Selain unitnya yang terhad, kereta ini turut dihasilkan dengan bantuan juara dunia kejohanan rali
WRC
 selama 4 kali, Tommi Makinen yang juga merupakan
principal
 bagi pasukan
Toyota Gazoo Racing
. Walaupun semua kereta produksi boleh diubah menjadi kereta rali, tapi beliau mahukan asas kereta yang sedia padu dengan sistem AWD sedia ada bersama rekaan badan serba aerodinamik untuk bersaing di kejohanan rali kerana banyak pasukan rali lain menggunakan asas hatchback segmen B serta pacuan roda hadapan (FWD).

Pengalaman Memandu GR Yaris

Hot hatch
 ini dibekalkan dengan enjin 1.6 liter 3 silinder yang sama digunakan pada pasaran Eropah yang memberi output sebanyak 261 PS dan 360 Nm tork maksimum. Setiap tujahan pada pedal minyak memberikan anda daya G yang kuat setanding dengan output tork yang tinggi beserta badan kereta yang ringan.

Walau bagaimanapun, tempat duduk
semi bucket
 balutan Alcantara yang digunakan pada kereta ini amatlah selesa seperti setiap bentuk yang direka pada kerusi itu memberi fungsi memegang pemandu dan memeluk pemandu daripada terkesan dengan daya G.

Kemudian perasaan itu ditambah lagi dengan kemerduan bunyi
enjin palsu
 yang disalurkan ke dalam kabin. Dari dalam kabin, enjin berbunyi seperti sebuah kereta sport sebenar. Namun jika bunyi yang sama didengari dari luar, ia seakan bunyi kentut sahaja. Walaupun ciri ini merupakan perkara yang subjektif, tetapi bagi penulis, sistem ini sedikit sebanyak menambahkan
feel
 memandu tanpa mengganggu jiran tetangga berbanding bunyi enjin yang kuat.

Walaupun jualan kereta manual di Malaysia semakin menurun menyebabkan banyak pengeluar tidak lagi menjualnya bagi model kereta baharu, namun transmisi manual yang ada pada GR Yaris ini menjadi bukti bahawa ini adalah kereta manual yang wajib dimiliki.

GR Yaris hanya ditawarkan dengan transmisi manual enam-kelajuan dengan fungsi i-MT yang memberikan bantuan
rev matching
 bagi membuatkan penukaran gear yang lebih lancar untuk mereka yang benar-benar mahukan pengalaman memandu yang menyeronokkan.

Ia digandingkan dengan sistem pacuan semua roda GR-Four 4WD yang digunakan sebagai
tribute
 kepada lagenda Celica GT-Four. Dengan ini, pemandu boleh memilih mod pemanduan yang membenarkan pemandu mengawal agihan tork antara tayar hadapan dan tayar belakang menerusi tiga mod pemanduan berbeza seperti:

Normal (60-40)

Sport (70-30)

Track (50-50)

Apa yang lebih menarik, kereta ini hadir dengan brek tangan manual yang membolehkan pemandu membuat sendiri aksi
handbrake turn
 dengan mudah, tidak seperti brek parkir elektronik seperti yang ada pada
Honda Civic Type R
. Ketika brek tangan ditarik, agihan tork pada gandar belakang juga akan dihentikan bagi memudahkan aksi drift dilakukan, dan disambung semula apabila brek diturunkan.

Selain itu, kawalan stereng yang sangat baik serta jarak trek tayar belakang yang dilebarkan membuatkan kereta ini menyusuri selekoh tanpa rasa gerun. Tayar terasa seakan-akan melekat di atas jalan membuatkan kereta lebih mudah untuk dikawal dan dikendalikan meskipun dalam kelajuan yang tinggi.

Untuk menambah perisa, kedudukan bateri GR Yaris diletakkan di bawah lantai but belakang manakala enjinnya diletakkan 21 mm lebih kebelakang berbanding Yaris standard bagi mendapatkan nisbah berat depan-belakang dan seimbang. Hasilnya, ia memberikan pemanduan menyeluruh yang menyeronokkan.

Dengan output yang tinggi dan badan yang ringan, setiap pecutan menggunakan GR Yaris ini terasa ringan dan pecutan 0-100km/j dapat dilakukan dengan pantas, iaitu kira-kira 5.5 saat sahaja dan boleh mencapai kelajuan maksimum sehingga 230 km/j.

Interior

Bahagian interiornya kelihatan biasa sahaja tanpa sebarang perincian mewah. Yang paling penting bagi penulis, cukuplah sekiranya kereta tersebut dilengkapi dengan ciri sambungan pintar Apple Carplay dan Android Auto bagi kawalan sistem infotainmen yang lebih lancar dan kereta ini hadir dengan ciri tersebut.

Walaupun kereta homologasi WRC ini boleh digunakan sebagai kereta harian, namun anda akan perasan bahawa agak sukar untuk melihat menerusi cermin belakang yang kecil. Ini kerana bumbung belakangnya telah direndahkan sedikit berbanding bumbung asal Yaris versi Eropah. Jadi aktiviti menukar
lane
 serta mengelakkan motosikal ketika trafik sesak akan menjadi lebih mencabar dengan kereta ini.

Selain itu, walaupun tempat duduk pemandu kereta ini memberikan perasaan gemuruh yang melampau kepada pemandu, namun ruangan pada tempat duduk belakangnya amat sempit. Bukan itu sahaja, berada di tempat duduk belakang ketika kereta sedang dipandu juga boleh memberikan perasaan yang memualkan kepada penumpang kerana penumpang belakang hanya menerima tingkap kecil dan pandangan hadapan pula terganggu akibat kerusi
semi bucket
 yang besar di hadapan.

Exterior

GR Yaris menampilkan rupa yang amat agresif yang mampu membuatkan pengguna jalan raya lain menoleh pandangan setiap kali GR Yaris muncul di depan mereka.
Hot hatch
 ini dihasilkan daripada platform TNGA-B yang sama seperti Yaris generasi baharu di pasaran Eropah. Ia langsung tidak sama dengan Toyota Yaris yang dipasarkan di pasaran Malaysia yang lebih kepada Vios hatchback.

Rekaan badannya penuh dengan ciri aerodinamik seperti bumbung gentian karbon yang lebih ringan dan telah direndahkan sebanyak 91 mm berbanding Yaris biasa atas permintaan Tommi Makinen. Setiap lubang-lubang udara pada kereta ini berfungsi sepenuhnya dan bukanlah untuk tujuan kosmetik semata.

Sebagai contoh, terdapat dua lubang khas di bahagian bampar hadapan kereta yang berfungsi untuk menyejukkan brek kereta. Manakala gabungan lampu LED yang garang, rekaan bampar serta bentuk kereta yang menarik, tip ekzos berkembar, rim aloi BBS bersaiz 18 inci yang lebih ringan dengan tayar Michelin Pilot Sport 4s membuatkan rupa luaran kereta ini sangat menawan.

Walaupun kerangka badan GR Yaris ini lebih kuat, namun ia 38 kg lebih ringan dari Yaris biasa ekoran pelbagai panel logam digantikan dengan material lebih ringan seperti bumbung yang diperbuat daripada gentian karbon (CFRP) dan juga penutup bonet hadapan dan belakang aluminium. Ini membolehkan kereta ini mencapai berat hanya 1,280 kg walaupun dengan sistem 4WD!

Ciri Keselamatan

Dari segi keselamatan, tak banyak yang boleh dikomen. Yang bagusnya, ia dilengkapi dengan ciri keselamatan aktif Toyota Safety Sense seperti:

Pre-Collision System (PCS)

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

Lane Departure Alert (LDA)

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

Auto High Beam (AHB)

Yang kurang bagusnya, kereta ini tidak dilengkapi dengan sistem pemantauan titik buta. Ciri itu amat membantu pemandu untuk lebih peka dengan keadaan sekeliling ekoran penglihatan yang terhad melalui cermin belakang. Selain itu, ia hadir dengan ciri keselamatan asas seperti:

6 beg udara

Cagak ISOFIX

Sistem pemantau tekanan tayar

Penderia parkir belakang,

Sistem kestabilan elektronik (VSC)

Traction Control (TRC)

Brek ABS, EBD dan BA.

Kesimpulannya

Bagi mereka yang mahukan kereta berprestasi yang menyeronokkan, GR Yaris mungkin dapat memuaskan kehendak anda. Jika anda lebih mencari
hot hatch
 yang selesa untuk jangka masa panjang, ia mungkin bukan kereta yang sesuai untuk anda.

GR Yaris memberikan pengalaman pemanduan yang padu, rupa luaran yang agresif, kawalan pacuan 4 roda yang amat responsif serta membekalkan kelajuan yang memukau di jalan lurus. Walaupun pemanduannya menyeronokkan, namun ia tidaklah begitu selesa terutama jika digunakan sebagai kereta harian atau ketika perjalanan jauh kerana ruangan belakangnya yang sempit, ditambah pula dengan transmisi manual.

Ketika pelancarannya di Malaysia, Toyota GR Yaris ini dijual pada harga RM299,000 OTR tanpa insurans. Harga tersebut lebih murah dari jangkaan serta lebih murah berbanding Civic Type R. Yang lebih penting, GR Yaris pasaran Malaysia telah dilengkapi dengan
Performance Pack
 menampilkan spesifikasi berprestasi tinggi seperti di Jepun sebagai standard.

Jika anda berpeluang untuk memandu uji Toyota GR Yaris ini di masa hadapan, silalah berbuat demikian untuk betul-betul mendalami dan memahami kelebihan
hot hatch
 Toyota ini dengan lebih terperinci. Silap-silap, ia juga mampu membuatkan air mata jantan anda bertaburan untuk menggambarkan betapa sedapnya kereta ini.


Toyota Unites All-New Supra With Earlier Generation Models

Toyota UK has previewed the all-new Supra to a selected group of Toyota Supra owners from the United Kingdom, bringing together all four generations of the Supra together with the soon-to-be launched fifth generation model.
The selected group of owners got to meet Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer of the all-new fifth-generation Supra.
A total of 50 immaculately presented Supra models from all four generations were invited to attend this exclusive event, with the majority of owners and guests arriving in the fourth-generation model. Also in attendance was a single first-generation model, one of only two examples of the Celica Supra known to exist in the UK.
During the event, Tada-san was eager to mingle with the Supra owners and chat about the new A90 project. “I’m just so happy that we’ve made it to this point. I’ve finally been able to reveal the car to the UK; it’s the happiest day of my life. And to drive it up the hill at Goodwood was a really exciting experience,” he said.
Apart from the turbocharged BMW B58 inline-six engine, Toyota is also going to fit the entry-level Supra with a turborcharged B48 inline-four engine. Power figures for the entry Supra are rumoured to be around the 262 hp region, more than any BMW with the '30i' designation.
The all-new fifth-generation Supra is expected to be launched in the first half of 2019.


Four Kawasaki big bike models launched at MotoGP Sepang - From RM63,800

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS)
, the official distributor of
Kawasaki
 here in Malaysia, has officially introduced four 2022 big bike models at the MotoGP 2022 round in Sepang.

Available from November 2022 onwards, these four big bikes are none other than the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX sport-tourer, Versys 1000 SE adventure-tourer, Z900RS modern-retro roadster, and the Ninja ZX-10R manic crotch rocket priced from RM71,400 to RM112,600.

2022 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX - RM71,400

Starting with the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX, this sport-tourer is said to offer the best of both worlds when it comes to sporty riding as well as great touring capabilities. Powered by a 1,043cc inline-four DOHC engine, this baby produces 140hp and 111Nm of torque.

Other highlights include electronic throttle valves, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, selectable Power Modes, Kawasaki Traction Control, assist and slipper clutch, electronic cruise control, and more. Price? RM71,400 (OTR excluding insurance, road tax, and registration).

2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE - RM81,900

If you prefer something that's a bit more on the adventure side in terms of design, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE might suit you better. Offering higher levels of comfort and versatility, the Versys 1000 has been enhanced for 2022 with better engine flexibility and chassis nimbleness for a more 'fun-to-ride' riding experience.

Using the same 1,043cc four-cylinder unit as the Ninja 1000 SX, the Versys 1000 SE has be tuned to produce 118hp and 102Nm of torque. Spec-wise comes with a few extras such as the Kawasaki Quick Shifter, Cornering Lights, dual throttle valves, and more. Price? RM81,900 (OTR excluding insurance).

2022 Kawasaki Z900RS - RM63,800

A modern-retro roadster conversation can be complete without mentioning the Kawasaki Z900RS. This muscular roadster offers a more classic yet timeless design and feel paired with Kawasaki's know-how in terms of technology as well as performance.

Fitted with a 948cc inline-four DOHC engine, the Z900RS produces a more modest but still exciting 110hp and 98.5Nm of torque. Priced at RM63,800 (OTR excluding insurance), the Z900RS is a more affordable machine to own as it comes with a number of riding aids like the Kawasaki Traction Control, assist and slipper clutch, and ABS.

2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R - RM112,600

Speed freaks and track day junkies can forget the rest and jump straight to the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. This crotch rocket has proven itself to be a worthy superbike in several high-profile race series around the globe, including six WorldSBK titles.

It's essentially a race bike that has been fitted with side mirrors and proper tyres to make it a road-legal machine. Power comes from its 998cc inline-four engine that produces a whopping 201hp and 111Nm of torque paired with a kerb weight of only 207kg. This superbike can be yours for RM112,600 (OTR excluding insurance).

All of these models are on display at the Kawasaki Malaysia booth (except for the 2022 Ninja ZX-10R, the one on display is actually the 2021 model, but EMOS has confirmed that they'll bring in the 2022 model) all weekend in conjunction with the 2022 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia which is happening from 21-23 October 2022 at the Sepang International Circuit. Also, there's the highly-anticipated
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R
 on preview as well, positioned on a dyno.


Jaguar Has Revealed The Most Powerful XJ Ever; The New 2018 XJR575

Jaguar has announced the introduction of the XJR575 performance flagship model – the most powerful XJ to date.
Sitting below the range-topping XJ Autobiography, the XJR575 is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine which delivers 575PS and 700Nm of torque, enabling the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 300km/h.
Available in standard and long-wheelbase bodystyles (selected markets only), customers will be able to choose between two bespoke exterior colour finishes - Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey.
Tailor-made exterior details on the XJR575 include a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes featuring Gloss Black surrounds, exclusive badging, twin bonnet louvres, and 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels with red painted brake callipers.
Inside, the XJR575 features bespoke embossed tread plates, 575 intaglio and diamond-quilted seats, and a number of technology upgrades such as a 10-inch touchscreen with pinch-zoom function, and 4G Wi-Fi connectivity.
Safety wise, the 2018 model year XJ, including the XJR575 features Forward Traffic Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Condition Monitor, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), as well as Pedestrian Detection.


NAZA Kia launches Raya 5 Star Bonus

NAZA Kia Malaysia has introduced their latest campaign in conjunction with this festive season. The '5 Star Raya Bonus' aims to provide customers with excellent bonuses if they purchase any Kia Cerato, Kia Rio Sedan, or Kia Optima during this campaign. Customers will be treated to
5 years free
maintenance service, 5 years free road tax, 5 years free Kia Cares protection, 5 years warranty and ‘duit raya’ up to RM10,000.
Also on offer are 100 units of the Kia Cerato KX, which will now be available from RM 79,000.
The 5 years free maintenance service offers up to 100,000km mileage inclusive of two times major service. Kia Cares provides complete coverage protection, new vehicle replacement, prompt claim settlement and peace of mind. For total assurance, Kia Cares covers total loss, theft, fire, floods and natural disasters. For more information on this campaign, visit your nearest Kia showroom to find out more. The campaign will be running on until the July 5th, 2016.