Quick Review: All-New 2018 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid (C27) - Major Leap Forward In All Aspects

The Nissan Serena has quite a long history in Malaysia. In fact, the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) can trace its roots to the ever popular, ever-reliable C22 Nissan Vanette.

The Serena nameplate started with the C23 commercial van-based chassis (engine compartment below the front seats) in the late 1990s. As market demanded more space and better driving ergonomics, the C24 was designed as a two-boxed shaped MPV from the ground up.

In 2013, the C26 Serena S-Hybrid was launched and received a tremendous response due to its competitive pricing in the era when imported vehicles with hybrid powertrains were given duty exemptions.

Enter 2018, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) finally introduces the all-new Serena S-Hybrid, maintaining its exterior size but equipped with many more features, many of which are first in the segment!

Shortly after the all-new Serena’s launch in Malaysia, we were given the privilege to sample the all-new Serena, taking turns driving from KL to Penang and back again.

Specifications for 2018 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

Engine: 2.0-litre, direct injection, 4-cylinder, micro-hybrid with starter-generator torque assist: 2.6 PS / 48Nm

Power: 150 PS at 6,000 rpm

Torque: 200 Nm at 4,400 rpm

Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety: Six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX (2x, rear), Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD)

Origin: Locally assembled in TCMA, Serendah, Selangor

Price: RM127,875 for Highway Star, RM139,196 for Premium Highway Star (excluding insurance, GST or SST)

Exterior

The main highlight of the all-new Serena is definitely the dual-opening tailgate. All of us appreciate the large opening (the rear windscreen is designed to be large to allow better visibility) as well as the relatively low loading height.

Manoeuvring the Serena is also easier thanks to the clever “stitching” of the four cameras to display Around View Monitor (AVM). This AVM is also upgraded with Nissan’s Moving Object Detection (MOD). Should an object enter any of the camera’s field of vision, that segment will have a yellow frame (projected in the 7-inch multi-information display) and audio alert to inform the driver.

Interior

The new dashboard in the Serena has been designed to be lower, while still offering a large 7-inch multi-information display. With this new layout, the forward vision has improved, while the touchscreen for the audio system is also closer to the driver’s left hand. The sum it up, the dashboard is definitely one of the best designed in terms of ergonomics as well as the plentiful storage spaces.

The soft-touch trim panel with contrasting double stitching further adds a touch of quality to an already well-designed panel.

Connection to Apple CarPlay is also easy. We are also happy to report that the audio unit is easy to use with large icons and very responsive to touch and voice. The controls for the audio system is missing from the steering wheel though, a feature that ETCM is trying to improve later.

Moving the second row, the captain seats now offers armrest at both edges of the seats. They also incorporate the ‘zero-gravity’ design that reduces fatigue. Both captain seats can slide inward, to allow for better access to the third-row.

Placing the seat side-by-side also allows parents to be closer to their children.

The third row of the Serena is still one of the best in this price segment. Now with the added feature of forward-sliding (while still maintaining the side-folding function), users can improve the luggage area by a good 50 millimetres.

Occupants at the third row are also treated to USB-charging ports (two ports) and a power door switch that opens the left sliding door. Even with the newly added dual-opening tailgate, the wind noise at the third-row is still kept to a minimum at higher than usual driving speeds.

Driving Experience

The Serena continues to use the two-litre engine with a micro-hybrid system, called S-Hybrid. Nissan reports that the powertrain has been improved to deliver better power and response. Driving around Penang traffic confirms this, but only at a very marginal level of improvement.

Being a micro hybrid, the electrical assistance is only provided when the Serena moves off from a standing start. This assistance is also minor, 2.6 PS or 48 Nm that is transmitted to the engine via the alternator belt. There are no changes to the output of this ECO motor, which is basically a clever alternator.

Overall, the new Serena does feel better off the line thanks to its lighter kerb weight combined with the more responsive powertrain. On the highway, keeping pace with the faster moving traffic is also a non-issue. We also have plenty of confidence when braking at the higher speeds, as the brakes were strong and easy to modulate.

Comfort

The new suspension components definitely provide much better ride comfort as well as body control. The suspension soaks up irregular road surfaces in a more controlled manner, giving the impression that there is more travel. On the highway, the new Serena definitely felt more planted, even while taking long-radius corners above the legal speed limit.

On the North-South Highway, the significantly quieter cabin can be felt immediately. The road noise is better muted and wind noise is impressively blocked off given how large the windows are. Only when pushed, the engine becomes vocal which is no surprise.

The Nissan team informed us that the firewall has been designed with thicker metals to cancel out more unwanted noise and vibration. The rear wheelhouse has also been lined with noise insulating mat for better soundproofing.

Conclusion

The new Serena has definitely improved in all areas. Better equipped with unique and practical features are its major talking points and competitors cannot just be equipped with them in response. The Toyota Innova X also offer captain seats, but it’s the third row that is nowhere near as spacious. Being a ladder frame chassis construction, the Innova has a busier ride which does affect the occupant's comfort.

Meanwhile, the Mazda 5 is a product that is near the end of its life cycle and is only equipped with two airbags. The third-row, despite having s a longer sliding range, is not able to fold to accommodate large items.

The new Serena has definitely moved its own benchmark as one of the most accommodating family vehicle, and now with the GST/SST tax-free holiday period, the retail price is ever attractive from RM127.9k


Goodyear Malaysia Boosts Eagle F1 Tyre Range With New SuperSport Series

Goodyear Malaysia has introduced the latest members of its Eagle F1 tyre range: namely the SuperSport, SuperSport R, SuperSport RS, Asymmetric 5, and Asymmetric 3 SUV.

The new range of Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres further bolster the range of offerings for luxury sedan and SUV vehicles.

This is a snapshot of the Goodyear range sold in Malaysia:

Assurance Range

Duraplus 2 – Entry-level budget tyre designed for maximum mileage and safe handling capabilities. Aimed at entry-level vehicles such as Perodua Myvi, Perodua Bezza, and Proton Saga.

TripleMax 2 – Equipped with the Goodyear HydroTred technology for enhanced wet braking performance; asymmetric threads allows for better handling and low road-noise levels. Caters for B- and C-segment SUV and sedan vehicles such as the Perodua Aruz, Toyota Corolla Altis, and Honda City.

EfficientGrip

EfficientGrip Performance – New compounds to enhance dry and wet grip, and improved braking performance. QuietTred Technology improves tyre noise. Aimed at D-Segment and entry-level premium sedans such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Audi A4.

EfficientGrip Performance SUV – Similar characteristics to the EfficientGrip Performance. Equipped FlexContact technology uses heavier gauge under thread and barrier cushion that reduces vibration and noise. Designed for use in C- and D-Segment SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Proton X70, and Hyundai Tucson.

Eagle F1

Asymmetric 5 – Refined silica compounds and Goodyear’s Impulse Control Compound Technology offer improved braking performance and wet grip. Designed to offer great grip in wet/dry conditions and reduced road noise. Caters to premium and performance cars such as the Audi A7, BMW 4 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Asymmetric 3 SUV – Designed to be sturdy while promoting better fuel consumption due to its low rolling resistance. Equipped with ActiveBraking Technology fro better stopping distances. Offered for luxury SUVs such as Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Porsche Macan.

SuperSport – Race inspired tyre for enhanced grip and handling on dry road. Offered for cars such as the BMW M2, Mercedes-AMG C63, and Porsche 911.

SuperSport R – Designed for exceptional grip, braking, and steering precision. For customers who use their vehicles both on the road and track. Caters to cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3, Ferrari F8 Tributo, and McLaren 720S.

SuperSport RS – Track-ready tyre for use in dry conditions. Caters to majority track driven and racing cars.

Wrangler

AT Silentrac – Designed for use in light-commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks. Caters for vehicles with a 70/30 on-road/off-road usage respectively.

Duratrack - Designed for use in light-commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks. Caters for vehicles with a 30/70 on-road/off-road usage respectively.

In addition to this series, Goodyear will be announcing a brand new tyre in 2020, which will slot just under the Asymmetric 5 which uniquely entry-level performance cars and hot-hatches.

Alex Ng, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia added, “We continue to innovate to bring cutting-edge technology and differentiated features to our tyres. The most important aspect is that motorsports allow us to test our capabilities and push our limits so that we can eventually achieve excellent technology transfer and utilise development experience from the tracks to the road.”


Unveiling the Hidden Gems: A closer look at the 2023 Isuzu D-Max with its subtle yet crucial upgrades

The Isuzu D-Max is a standout pickup truck that truly excels in areas such as reliability, comfort, and practicality. Renowned for its unwavering dependability, the D-Max has built a reputation synonymous with trust and longevity.

Although dependability is the backbone of the D-Max's success, Isuzu has worked hard to ensure that the pickup truck offers buyers a better, more complete package with every newly introduced D-Max.

Just as you think the D-Max cannot get any better, Isuzu pulls out all the stops to enhance one of the world's most unfaltering trucks. The 2023 Isuzu D-Max has undergone several improvements and enhancements, making it a truck perfect for all occasions.

 But what are they, and how does it improve the D-Max experience? Let's take a closer look at the enhancements of the new D-Max to see how it has improved the truck, making it one of the best pickups you can purchase today.

Here are some key areas where the 2023 Isuzu D-Max has been enhanced:

Exciting and bright new exterior colours

The 2023 D-Max features a  redesigned exterior with a more aggressive and modern appearance. Starting off with the new colour options, the flagship X-Terrain and Premium variants are now available with a modern splash of paint in the form of the lusty Islay Gray Mica. If that’s not to your taste, the truck is also available in a new shade of white called the Dolomite White Pearl.

Not forgetting the other variants, the Premium, Auto Plus and Automatic Standard have also been blessed with a brighter shade of blue called Biarritz Blue Metallic.

Two-tone theme

These colours enhance the D-Max X-Terrain’s two-tone theme, which starts off at the radiator grille. The refreshed grille now features a dark chrome finish at the bottom and a dark grey metallic finish at the top. If you think this aggressive and polished-looking grille is exclusive to the top variant, you’d be wrong, as other variants too carry this two-tone theme.

The new wheels on the 2023 D-Max X-Terrain also add to the bi-colour theme, where the six-Y-spoke dark wheels for the X-Terrain really give it an aggressive look. Even the side mirror covers, side steps, door handles, over fenders and roof rails have been finished in dark grey to give the D-Max an appearance that leaves a lasting impression.

New interior Café Brown finish and stylistic seats

The interior of the D-Max X-Terrain has also been upgraded with improved design and materials, which gives passengers a premium experience.

Apart from the usual high-quality finish, soft-touch surfaces, and ergonomic design, the new-look seats on the updated D-Max offer a more stylistic appearance, and the contrast of the new Café Brown garnish finish on many of its black colour soft-touch surfaces with brown colour stitches completes its premium feel.

Ambient lighting keeps it modern and fresh

New too, is the interior ambient lighting feature, a setting of vibes where you feel like you've just stepped into the most premium of sedans.

Apart from illuminating the cabin and footwells of the X-Terrain, the blue hue adds to the vehicle's premium feel, especially when you're entering and exiting the D-Max. Not only are the lights a nice touch, but they also help you to get in and out of the truck safely.

Jacked up with valuable and current technology

The 2023 D-Max incorporates significant technological enhancements. On top of the advanced and crisp infotainment system with a large touchscreen display compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the enhanced D-Max now features an improved wireless charger with a 15W output allowing for quicker recharging times.

The wireless charging unit is a standout feature, offering convenience and versatility. It even includes an extra USB-C port for fast charging when needed. What's great is that this feature is not limited to just the flagship variant, as the D-Max Premium also comes equipped with it. And if you're considering the Auto Plus variant, you'll be pleased to know that it also offers wireless charging.

Completing the tech upgrades on the new D-Max is the newly added high-definition Digital Video Recorder, which captures clear footage from the front and rear cameras.

The front camera captures high-def 1440P videos, while the rear records in 1080P resolution. Footages recorded can also be saved to the onboard memory card or downloaded to mobile devices via an easy-to-use app.

A worry-free off-roading experience

The D-Max has always been known to be one of the most dependable and capable trucks for the rough stuff. So it's natural that the truck has been enhanced to deliver improved off-road capability.

This is probably music to the ears for those who love to go off-road, as the entire 2023 Isuzu D-Max 4x4 range now comes with an electronically-actuated rear differential lock.

For those unsure what that is, the 'Diff Lock' provides additional traction for the truck when it is heavily bogged down or stuck on highly slippery surfaces. This feature gives D-Max owners the confidence to tackle challenging terrains and a worry-free feeling when out adventuring.

And then some

So those are the key enhancements which make the 2023 D-Max the best pickup truck Isuzu has ever produced, but as usual, the D-Max is more than that, as it comes with Isuzu's core beliefs of providing buyers with a truck that can go the distance.

The 2023 D-Max benefits from efficient turbocharged diesel powertrains that produce higher power and torque compared to the previous generation. These engines offer improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and enhanced performance both on and off the road.

Safety features of the D-Max are also bolstered, as it comes with Isuzu's Allsight comprehensive safety technology, which includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems(ADAS) as well as active and passive safety systems.

The D-Max also offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with well-designed storage spaces, providing practicality for both work and daily use. In addition, its versatile cargo bed and utilitarian nature make it adaptable for different tasks.

If you like what you’re hearing, you’ll also be glad to know that the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain also comes with a seven-year unlimited mileage warranty, which adds to its peace of mind persona.

No wonder the Isuzu D-Max has earned a reputation for satisfying its customers, with many owners expressing their satisfaction with the vehicle's performance, durability, and value for money.

These factors collectively contribute to the high regard for the Isuzu D-Max among pickup truck enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable and capable vehicle for work or recreational purposes.


The Premium Sedan That’s Not German – The Time Has Come For Swedish Luxury

There’s no doubt that the latest products from Volvo Cars are class-leading in nearly every objective evaluation. The most comfortable seats are no longer made by Mercedes-Benz but Volvo. The best powertrains are no longer made by BMW but Volvo. The best interiors are no longer from Audi but Volvo. Never mind about safety, because that honour has never left Volvo since 1927.
Whether consumers are progressive enough to adjust their perception of the hierarchy of luxury car brands is another matter altogether.
Still, consumers still overwhelmingly prefer the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, and understandably so. With a wider dealer network and many more years of consistently engaging with local buyers (Volvo fell into a lull in the ‘90s), most affluent Malaysians limit their choices to either the Swabian or the Bavarian marque.
With Audi and Lexus carrying only higher priced fully imported models, Volvo is the only credible alternative to the German duopoly, but is ‘alternative’ even the right word to describe today’s Volvo? In our books, it’s the benchmark and here’s why:
A platform like none other
Volvo’s current flagship sedan, the S90 T8 ticks all the right boxes. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for comfort or driving pleasure. With 407 hp and 640 Nm on tap, the S90 T8’s stately demeanour hides an unexpected ability to keep up with a far nimbler Volkswagen Golf GTI in the sprint from 0-100 km/h, never mind the E-Class or the 5 Series. It’s also the only sedan in its class to come with all-wheel drive as standard, for greater assurance in all weather conditions.
At the same time, it also sips fuel like a Toyota Prius while cocooning its occupants with cabin materials that rival the best from Germany’s Big Three.
Part of the reason behind this is because Volvo is the only car maker to use a dedicated platform – the Scalable Platform Architecture or SPA – that’s been designed from the ground up to accommodate electric drive. The result of this uncompromising approach is a plug-in hybrid that rides and drives better than any of its rivals.
Rather than following its peers in placing the heavy hybrid battery behind in the boot or under the rear seats, which complicates the outcome of a severe rear-end collision, as well as significantly altering the vehicle’s weight balance, Volvo believes that by placing the battery length-wise in the middle of the vehicle, the S90 is the safest vehicle in its class, with the added bonus of superior handling and comfort.
With the heaviest component after the engine firmly installed in the middle, right at its centre of gravity, the S90 responds sharply and isn’t easily unsettled by poor road conditions. It also means that the S90 has a bigger boot than any of its peers. Of course, the downside also means that storage space in the centre console is less. A small price to pay for greater safety.
If clothes make a man, cabin materials make a car
The Nappa leather in the S90’s seats are naturally tanned. As the leather has not been artificially treated, it breathes better, giving the seats natural ventilation and more importantly, a more comfortable journey in our hot climate, where thick leather seats often give occupants a sweaty back.
It doesn’t stop there. Every Volvo seat is designed with the accumulated knowledge of orthopedic surgeons from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. That’s the reason why Volvo seats are the most comfortable in the business.
Not only that, they are also the safest. The frames of Volvo seats are designed to absorb impact in the event of a severe accident, especially in scenarios where the car’s bottom smashes into something hard, which could severely injure the occupant’s back. It’s an innovation that’s only found in a Volvo.
The natural Walnut wood deco dashboard is crafted like a Bentley, never mind a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz. The pattern on the wood inlays are perfectly lined to create a symmetrical pattern between the left- and right-side of the cabin.
Where others use plastic knobs and switches, Volvo’s controls feature fine diamond-cut finishing; again this is something unique to Volvo.
Volvo is also the only manufacturer on this side of the Rolls-Royce divide to use crystal material inside its cabin. The gear knob of all T8 variant Volvos feature an illuminated crystal glass top. Made by Sweden’s Orrefors, the crystal glass is handmade by traditional Swedish craftsmen.
A mini Gothenburg Concert Hall in your car
Then there is the 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system fitted on the Inscription Plus variant. It’s undoubtedly the best sound system on this side of a million Ringgit. The quality of the sound reproduction is shockingly surreal, to the point that DJs of radio shows can sound like they are sitting right in front of you at the dashboard.
There’s also a Gothenburg Concert Hall mode that has been independently verified by many finicky ears to be almost indistinguishable from a listening to a live performance at the famed Swedish concert hall.
A technological tour de force
Beyond class-leading luxury appointments, the S90 T8 is also a technological tour de force, with a level of sophistication is actually closer to that of a BMW 7 Series rather than a 5 Series.
The S90 T8’s Intellisafe range of advanced driving assistance for example, include Pilot Assist with Steering Support which allows for semi-autonomous driving at speeds of up to 130 km/h. It’s an assist-only function, and the keyword here is ‘assist,’ that aims to deliver a more relaxed long distance drive.
The driver is still required to maintain minimal control on the steering wheel (it’s an intentionally conservative setup to avoid gaffes like recent fatal accidents involving Tesla’s Auto Pilot functions in the US) but the reduced effort to maintain directional control on the car significantly reduces fatigue.
Its autonomous emergency braking function, or City Safety, is also the most sophisticated in its class. It looks out for not just adult pedestrians, but also children and large animals, as well as an added capability for intersections – mitigating potentially fatal T-bone collisions for example. It even applies corrective steering if the driver isn’t responding fast enough. Most alternatives offered by Volvo’s German rivals are only capable of detecting vehicles directly ahead and adult pedestrians stepping into the path of the vehicle, with no capability to apply corrective steering.
After breaking out of nearly two decades of stagnation under Ford’s stifling environment, Volvo is now jumping into the ring, boxing gloves in hand, confident enough to shove off the bigger Germans to claim its rightful spot in the luxury car market. Their latest models have won us over, the question now is how much more convincing does the masses need to consider a premium sedan from Sweden.
The S90 T8 Inscription sells for RM348,045 while the range-topping T8 Inscription Plus sells for RM366,913. Prices quoted are excluding insurance, without GST and SST.
Read also our full review of the S90 T8
here
.


No Targeted Subsidies Until Inflation Is Under Control

Due to high inflation, the rollout of
targeted subsidies
 won't happen until the situation is on a more favourable level.

According to
Bank Negara Malaysia
 (BNM) Governor, Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, the best time to implement the 'proposed'
targeted subsidies
 is when Malaysia is no longer facing 'high inflationary pressures'.

Blanket subsidy to targeted subsidy will push up inflation

It's been reported that the rise of inflation is unavoidable if and when the blanket subsidy regime transitions over to a targeted mechanism. However, the savings obtained by the move can be used to help other factors like social protection programs.

This is referred to as 20% of the current economy which is still operating below the pre-pandemic levels following the first half of 2022. In order to implement it successfully, there are certain factors that need to be taken into account.

*Image credit: The Star

Current inflation and phase-by-phase implementation

The BNM governor also mentioned that in order for the targeted subsidies to be implemented successfully, the government needs to consider two major factors - the current inflationary environment and the implementation procedures which should be done in phases.

Out of the RM77.7 billion subsidy and aid expected to be rolled out (more than doubled from the earlier estimate of RM31 billion), around RM37.3 billion alone is used for the blanket fuel subsidy. The bulk of it all is being used by the
T20 and M40
 income groups, which are said to spend more on fuel.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz was reported to have said that the introduction of targeted subsidies is too early for Budget 2023. The reason? High global inflation. Although the 3.4% hike is much lower than the global average of 6.7%, this rise in food prices and overnight policy rates from banks certainly have had a profound effect.


Brabus Rocket 900: 900 HP! 1500 Nm! Luxury Rocketship!

The mad scientists over at Brabus are at it again. After the beast that is the
850 6.0 Biturbo Coupe
, they’ve now laid their hands on the new
Mercedes-Benz
 S 65 AMG and have now made it into another terrifying monster to add to their collection. Meet the Brabus Rocket 900.

Brabus took one look at the stock AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine which delivers 630 hp and 1000 Nm torque and laughed at its pitiful power output. They then wheeled it into their engine shop and did extensive modifications to it to make it meet their requirements. 6.0-litres is expanded to 6.3-litres after boring out the cylinders so that each has a displacement of 384 cc instead. A custom Brabus billet crankshaft with longer stroke was added to match the larger cylinder bore, along with matching pistons and precision-balanced custom billet connecting rods.

Having increased the engine’s displacement, Brabus decided to chuck away the two production turbos and replaced them with new ones that have larger compressor unit and a larger turbine as well as modified exhaust manifolds. The modifications also included 80 mm diameter down pipes, stainless-steel Brabus high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and actively controlled butterfly valve.

All the modifications also warranted the development of the Barbus 900’s air intake module and the new intake manifold includes a special air filter housing with larger cross-section and special filters as well as Gold Heat Reflection sheathing for lowering the temperature. Once Brabus was satisfied with its engine work, power output is now
900 hp
 and
1500 Nm
 torque! However, the torque output is electronically limited to 1,200 Nm because, well, you know, powertrain longevity and etc.

A seven-speed automatic transmission is tweaked to handle the monstrous power output to channel power to the rear wheels through a Brabus limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. Shifting can be done manually by using the aluminium paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Keep in mind that the S 65 AMG on which the Brabus Rocket 900 is based on is a luxury four-door sedan. And this luxury sedan see will
hit 100 km/h
 from a standstill in just
3.7 seconds
.
200 km/h
 is met in
9.1 seconds
 and
top speed
 is “in excess” of
350 km/h
.

Brabus have also thrown in a button on the steering wheel that controls the butterfly valve in the exhaust system, allowing the driver to choose between driving the luxury sedan in a subtle and quiet mode or enjoying the full-bored of a V12 soundtrack. How thoughtful.

Now that the performance portion of the Rocket 900 has been dealt with, the company then moved on to work on the vehicle’s aerodynamics by installing a bodywork conversion kit manufactured from carbon fibre. The kit consists of a new front bumper with a spoiler lip and various attachments, optimised to reduce lift on the front axle. New front fenders are also made of carbon fibre and rounding things off is a rear spoiler lip and new rear bumper featuring an integrated diffuser and cutouts for the exhaust system’s tailpipes. The most important visual change is the '900' emblem that warns people around the car of its power.

Brabus Monoblock alloy wheels are available in 21- or 22-inch diameters.Next, the suspension setup sees a Brabus-developed Airmatic Sport control module for the air suspension put in place, lowering the Rocket 900’s ride height by 15 mm.

Unlike its previous spawning, the interior was left largely unchanged with barely a hint of gold anywhere. Instead, it looks distinctively like a normal Mercedes-Benz S-Class with only changes being a new Brabus iBusiness system and more importantly, a new instrument cluster with a 400 km/h scale.

Like before, the Brabus Rocket 900 can be ordered as a complete car starting at 347,719 Euros (RM 1,404,002) or just bring along any existing Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG to undergo the conversion.


CARSOME Juru Autofair is happening from 7-9 July - join us at Juru Autocity, Penang!

Experience the
CARSOME Juru Autofair at Juru Autocity
, CARSOME’s first autofair catering to their valued customers in the northern region. This exciting event brings together a diverse selection of cars in one convenient location, offering enticing offers for all.

Join us at the CARSOME Juru Autofair and discover the hassle-free and effortless way to buy a car. This one-of-a-kind event in the region guarantees a seamless and enjoyable car-buying experience.

At the Autofair, you take your time to
explore and compare cars models from numerous brands
, providing you with the opportunity to find a vehicle that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Some of the cars offering unbeatable value at CARSOME Autofair at Juru Autocity include:

Perodua Myvi

Malaysia's widely recognised hatchback ‘King’ is so crowned and completely justified. This car has earned the utmost respect from many of us thanks to its unmatched versatility and value. Over time, it has undergone continual modernisation and refinement, transforming into an incredibly dominant force within the B-segment hatchback market and something of a local favourite.

Equipped with a spacious cabin, a generously sized boot, and a reputation for reliability, the Myvi is the nation’s default 5-door hatchback. It boasts a range of fuel-efficient engines from 1.3 to 1.5 litres in four-cylinder configurations. Used Myvis can now be yours at an even more appealing price point, offering an exceptional amount of car for the money.

Honda City

The City is a well-known sedan that requires no introduction, widely regarded as the ultimate four-door vehicle capable of handling any situation and lasting beyond what owners expect.

What sets it apart is the remarkable amount of interior space it offers, with rear legroom that rivals cars in much higher segments. Additionally, it boasts class-leading boot space, further enhancing its practicality.

Honda has consistently focused on improving the quality and materials used in their vehicles, successfully enhancing the overall perception of their cars. Nowadays, Honda is no longer solely seen as a mass-market competitor but has gained recognition as a brand with exceptional quality.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a standout in the world of C-segment SUVs. With its sleek and stylish design, it effortlessly captures attention on the road. The CX-5 offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and versatility, making it a highly desirable choice for both city driving and more adventurous journeys. Equipped with Mazda's signature SKYACTIV engines, the CX-5 delivers impressive fuel efficiency without compromising on power.

Its spacious and refined interior provides ample room for passengers and cargo, while its advanced safety features and intuitive technology, such as the Mazda Connect infotainment system ensure a modern driving experience.

Best of all, with CARSOME, you can confidently drive away
in one of their CARSOME Certified Cars
 knowing that they have undergone high-quality professional refurbishment with transparency ensured throughout the process.

Take advantage of the special promotions during the Juru Autofair, including discounts of up to RM10,000 on car purchases.

Additionally, enjoy an extra RM1,000 discount exclusively available during the event. We also offer an extended 1+1 year warranty and a low interest rate of 3.25% with Public Bank. If you have another car to trade-in, you can benefit from an additional discount of up to RM1,500. Don't miss out on other exclusive deals that await you at the CARSOME Juru Autofair.

Interested?
Register here
 or head on over to the CARSOME Juru Autofair, held at the
CARSOME Juru Autocity Experience Centre in Penang
 between 7th and 9th July, Friday to Sunday, to experience this one-of-a-kind event!

All CARSOME Certified cars are quality assured through a stringent 175-point inspection and professional refurbishment. Additionally, each car comes with a fixed price with no hidden fees, five-day money-back guarantee, and one-year warranty. Book a test drive on
CARSOME
 today or
download the app
.

You can get an additional RM200 cash when you bring your car for inspection during the three days and have it surrendered to CARSOME by 15th July.


Manchester United Team And Their Cars And Why Ole Refuses to Park In The Gaffers' Space

The Manchester United team is known for their flashy cars, but you'd be surprised at some of the more humbling choices and the stories behind the cars.

Footballers and cars go hand in hand like grass and football boots, and while some accuse Manchester United players of lacking imagination in their choice of vehicles, we can assure you that not all of them turn up to Carrington in G-Wagons, making the training ground look more like an army camp, rather than a place where footballers train.

So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the cars that the United players drive.

Image credit: The Sun UK

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon

Players: Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Jones, Dan James, Marcus Rashford

The
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
 is one of the most iconic cars ever built. While they are more of a Chelsea tractor these days, they were once known for their indestructible engineering, which is why at least 44 militaries, including Britain and the USA had them as part of their Arsenal. The modern footballer's G-Wagon usually comes with pre-activated heated seats, 22" rims with around 900 horsepower (BRABUS G-Class V12).

Fiat 500 Abarth

Player: Sergio Romero

Despite being Manchester United's third-choice goalkeeper, the Argentinian international footballer is reported to earn around RM400k a week, which tells us he can definitely afford a more flashy car than the
Fiat 500
 Abarth. Could be he's more of a sensible and frugal person than his teammates. The Fiat Abarth is no slouch tho as it churns out 160 HP from a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine.

MINI Cooper S & Mini Cooper S Countryman

Players: Bruno Fernandes and Nemanja Matic

Okay, these might not be the only cars that these United midfielders have, but they have been seen driving their
MINIs
 plenty. The Sun newspaper in the UK historically once claimed that Nemanja Matic's MINI was hindering his injury recovery, stating that his 6ft 4-inch frame is being crammed up in a MINI. Actually, you'd be surprised how spacious these modern MINIs are, so go have a look-see if you get a chance. After the lockdown of course!

Image credit: The Sun UK

Volvo XC40

Ever since his playing days, the baby-faced assassin has always been known for his quiet and humble demeanour and it seems like it has continued over in his later days.

Now the manager of Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer probably doesn't have time to be messing around with flashy cars as he is busy managing the underperforming team and pressured to get United back to their glory days. Apparently, the Norwegian will not park his
XC40
 in the manager's spot at the club's training ground as he believes it still belongs to his former gaffer, Alex Ferguson.

Rolls Royce Wraith

Player: Paul Pogba

Given his flamboyance off the pitch, it's no surprise really that Manchester United's French Midfielder has a
limited edition Rolls Royce
 Wraith Black Badge in his collection of cars. This particular car however is infamous because of what happened to it.

In the UK, you must register your car with the DVLA (UK's version of JPJ) and fit them with UK plates within six months of being brought into the country. Pogba never did that and was caught driving around in it with Monaco plates near Manchester airport. The police impounded the car and Pogba left it unclaimed for 270 days before sorting it out. Apparently, Pogba racked up storage costs estimated to be around RM20k.

Life of a footballer aye!


The Best Ever Toyota Hilux Is Now Easier To Own

Pickup trucks are no longer rough, unpolished tools for moving goods and people. Today the modern pickup truck is a lifestyle statement for the adventurous – the drivers with adrenaline coursing through their veins.

Pickup trucks are no longer a boring means to end either, like a Swiss Army knife – they’re equipped to perform almost any task – long hauls on the highway, carry heavy loads, offer a stylish and rugged cabin space that lasts a lifetime – and go anywhere… regardless of the conditions!

Then you get the 2020 Toyota Hilux – which is all that and more!

The latest generation of the pickup truck that virtually launched the segment more than 50 years ago – is now back, meaner, and better than ever. In addition, with Toyota’s latest range of financing plans the 2020 Hilux is now easier than ever to own as well.

There are five variants to choose from:

Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4×4 - RM92,880

Hilux 2.4E AT 4×4 - RM108,880

Hilux 2.4G MT 4×4 - RM111,880

Hilux 2.4V AT 4×4 - RM133,880

Hilux 2.8 Rogue AT 4×4 - RM146,880

Now let’s take a look at what makes the 2020 Toyota Hilux special.

Sublime power, superb response

The 2020 Toyota Hilux is offered in two powertrain choices – the (2GD-FTV) 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which outputs 150PS and 400Nm of torque  and the powerful Hilux Rogue’s (1GD-FTV) 2.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which outputs 204PS and a whopping 500Nm of torque

A newly developed Variable Nozzle heavy-duty turbocharger results in superior performance while the increased common-rail fuel injection pressure contributes to an increase in fuel efficiency. Coupled to a 6-speed transmission, the Hilux delivers these slick-shifts at precisely the right moment. In both cases, the Hilux’s trademark dependability and reliability ensure you keep going where others can’t, while the monstrous power and torque offer immediate throttle response and effortless driving, in any condition.

Surefooted traction anywhere

With a full suite of active traction systems, the 2020 Hilux goes further than ever before. The Active Traction Control (A-TRC) detects when a  wheel loses traction in 4WD mode, the system brakes that wheel and transfers power to the other wheel on the axle to maintain forward momentum. The A-TRC works in tandem with the Auto Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) and Rear Differential Lock to ensure you keep pushing forward regardless of the terrain.

Additionally, Downhill-Assist Control (DAC) controls the brakes automatically and prevents the Hilux from slipping when descending steep slopes.

Rugged style

The 2020 Toyota Hilux looks more rugged than ever. Recognisable it may be - the new Hilux features a completely redesigned front fascia, with a  new bumper, a new front grille, bi-led headlights, led foglamps, as well as a newly designed front fog bezel. Round the back, there are the new 18-inch  wheels, snazzy body decals, and rear LED combination taillights.

Not forgetting the “welcome-home” light on the side-steps for that premium style and functional truck bed light for convenience in dark hours. All-in-all,  the new sporty design will ensure you turn heads at your favourite
mamak
or the high-streets of
Bukit Bintang
.

A cossetting and comfortable cabin

The cabin space in the Hilux fuses premium style and functionality with robust build quality. On the inside, the contoured dashboard houses a snazzy new instrument panel with a MID information screen, while the touchscreen infotainment system has Android Auto, Mirror Link, Bluetooth, USB,  and MP3 connectivity.

Auto air-conditioning with rear vents ensure a pleasant space for all passengers, and the illuminated door trim offers a further element of style at night.  Separately, the updated suspension setup now offers a surefooted and plush ride, without sacrificing the Hilux’s trademark ability to carry large heavy loads.

State-Of-The-Art safety

If you thought the 2020 Toyota Hilux was just another rudimentary truck, think again. A full array of safety systems put it on par with sedans and SUVs costing considerably more.

Fitted as standard are Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which mitigate a crash from happening at all. The Hilux’s Pre-Collision System (PCS) avoids or mitigates frontal collisions by alerting the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there is a risk of collision. Lane Departure Alert (LDA) With  Yaw Assist alerts when moving out of the lane unintentionally, and applies the brakes to correct the vehicle’s trajectory.

Additionally, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can be activated at speeds above 30 km/h, it maintains vehicle speed and safe distance with the preceding vehicle and brakes automatically when the car ahead slows down.

It’s now easier than ever to own the 2020 Toyota Hilux

Toyota’s EZ Beli program is a unique financing system unlike nowhere else.

It allows customers to choose a multi-tiered financing plan which starts with extremely low monthly financing payments and gradually increases repayment over the loan tenure that coincide with the customer's career/salary growth with the additional option of trading in the car for a brand new Toyota model.

EZ Beli is based on a 9-year auto financing plan which is divided into 3 Tiers. In the case of the Toyota Hilux model, purchase it today and pay just RM788  (depends on variant) for the next three years (Year 1 – 3), Tier 2 increases the monthly instalments slightly for the following three years (Year 4-6). At the end of the Tier 2 period, you can first choose to trade in your current car for a brand new Toyota model or continue to complete your payment in Tier 3 at the corresponding monthly instalments (Year 7-9).

Fuss-free maintenance

Additionally, the Toyota Service Savers (TSS) program, offered with the Hilux model further manages and reduces the costs of maintenance for its customers.  The TSS package factors in all the service costs for the first 3- or 5-years of the vehicle, and divides it into small payments that are lumped in with your loan repayments.

This way, customers are not burdened with maintenance bills and this also means customers just pay one sum every month both for the loan and maintenance of their Toyota. The TSS package starts at just RM89/month for the Toyota Hilux model.

So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Toyota dealership, test drive, and own your very own Toyota Hilux.

Click on the play button to watch the new 2020 Toyota Hilux Rogue weather the Malaysian forest!


McLaren Speedtail J7711 Dikesan Di Singapura - Milik Tunku Temenggong Johor?

Sebuah
McLaren Speedtail
 dengan nombor pendaftaran Malaysia J 7711 kelihatan di Singapura. Beberapa gambar dikongsi oleh akaun Instagram @agentmlifestyle yang menunjukkan
hypercar
 itu sedang dinaikkan ke atas sebuah trak.

Imej berkenaan kemudiannya dikongsi akaun @only.speedtail yang menjelaskan bahawa Speedtail nombor pengeluaran #071 itu milik Tunku Temenggong Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim yang turut meletakkan akaun peribadi TTJ pada posting tersebut.

Berdasarkan makluman dari netizen, Speedtail berkenaan berada di McLaren Singapore untuk penyelenggaraan.

Speedtail milik Tunku Idris ini menerima kemasan perak di bahagian depan dan material gentian karbon (
carbon fibre
) di belakang.

McLaren Speedtail
 hanya dikeluarkan sebanyak 106 unit di seluruh dunia dan anggaran harga hypercar tersebut sekitar 1.75 juta Euro (RM8.5 juta).

Anda berkemampuan dan berminat untuk membeli Speedtail? Maaf. McLaren hanya menawarkan pembelian kepada tetamu VVIP mereka dengan syarat mereka memiliki beberapa unit McLaren seperti
P1
 dan
Senna
.

Speedtail #024 turut mencuri perhatian satu ketika dahulu kerana satu-satunya model yang memiliki ruang dalaman yang direka khas oleh jenama mewah, Hermes. Speedtail milik mogul hartanah, Manny Khosbin ini dianggarkan bernilai 2.5 juta USD (RM10.5 juta).

Untuk makluman, McLaren Speedtail merupakan model dengan kelajuan tertinggi yang pernah dihasilkan oleh pengeluar British itu. Ia dilengkapi dengan enjin 4.0 liter
V8 Twin Turbo
 yang menghasilkan kuasa (746hp/799Nm) dan motor hibrid (308hp/347Nm).

Ini menjadikan kuasa keseluruhan Speedtail ialah 1055hp dan tork 1150Nm. Pecutan 0 hingga 100km/j dicapai dalam tempoh tiga saat dengan kelajuan maksimum 403km/j.


Group Of Classic Land Rover Series Embark On 1,000km Commemorative Drive

To honour the iconic Land Rover Series models, the Land Rover Owners Malaysia (LROM) club with the help of Sime Darby Auto Connexion and Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) organized the thousand-kilometre long Series Land Rover May Day Drive.
Despite it being the start of the long Labour Day weekend on April 30th, when cars filled the streets heading in and out of the city, about 100
Land Rover
 enthusiasts made their way to Sime Darby Auto ConneXion’s Jalan Ipoh showroom where the flag-off was due to take place.
Seven classic Land Rover Series 1, 2 and 3 models set off on a drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu and back when the flag was waved down at midnight by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia’s managing director Tuan Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali.
What made this particular commemorative drive even more momentous was the announcement by
Jaguar
 Land Rover in the UK that 2015 will be the final year that the current Land Rover
Defender
 will be produced. With the Land Rover Series models being the precursor to the Defender, the end of an era is upon us.
Both the Defender and Series Land Rovers are known the world over for its well-earned reputation as workhorses, from its birth in 1948 and over the past six decades the Land Rover brand has played a crucial role in nation building across continents, thanks primarily to the Series Land Rover that started it all. That spirit was carried over to the Defender of 1983. Even today, they are still used by many security outfits, armies, and police forces for its toughness, unshakable resilience and will to keep on running.
Teng Hon Chee, 63, a retired businessman and new member of the Land Rover Owners Malaysia club, says “I have driven my Land Rover Defender double-cab pick-up all the way to Langkawi and Perlis and thoroughly enjoyed it.  There is always a place for the Land Rover Defender even in this day and time of electronics and advanced technology. There is simply nothing like it out there.”
LROM president Rate de Silva commented that the drive was completed without a hitch and with no mechanical failures outside of a punctured tyre. This is despite going through heavy traffic and less-than-ideal weather conditions. Keep in mind that the youngest vehicle that took part in this drive was 32-years old and the oldest being 59, suddenly the feat of a 1000km drive becomes all the more impressive.
This is a testament to the reliability and endurance of the Series Land Rover and the dedication of their owners,” said de Silva.


12 Days Of Christmas - Christmas Balik Kampung - Some Of The Best Travelers From Different Segments

There are many cars out there that can provide that long-distance comfort for that Christmas Balik kampung journey, but here are our picks.

One of the most important aspects of Christmas is time with family. Without it, Christmas really would be a bit dull. The antics of your family members are what make the occasion really fun and exciting. Don't forget to follow the SOP's though.

Some are willing to travel to the ends of the world to be with their family during the Christmas period and who can blame them because that's what the Christmas holidays are all about.

For this reason, a good chariot must be readily available to bring families together during this period, so we thought we would compile some of the best cars from a few different segments that would be able to do this job perfectly - Jom Balik Kampung!

Sport Utility Vehicle -  2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport

Up until the arrival of the G05 X5, we never really thought much about Munich's large SUV, but when the
BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport
 debuted in Malaysia in June, we thought "now that's an SUV that has it all". Although it's RM60k more than its closest competitor the Volvo XC90 T8, it's worth every cent.

The 45e is the most powerful 'non-M' X5 ever sold in Malaysia, but it's not all power with this X5 as efficiency is one of its strengths too. In ‘full-electric’ mode, the 45e has an electric driving range of up to 77km (up from 30km for the previous 40e) on a full charge and is able to travel at a top speed of 135km/h. This courtesy of the latest-generation lithium-ion batteries fitted under the rear floor.

The new 45e also features a low fuel consumption of 2.5 l/100km and claimed carbon emissions of 56g/km. You can definitely ride in comfort and save money on fuel with this beast.

Sedan - 2020 Honda Accord

If you're looking for a comfortable affordable and good-looking sedan then you should look towards Honda's way as their Accord is a gem.

For those unfamiliar, all variants of the
2020 Honda Accord
 comes with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine singing to the tune of 201 PS and 260 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT-type automatic transmission. Safety systems are aplenty, especially in the top-spec 1.5 TC-P variant which includes the full Honda Sensing suite.

The best thing about the Accord is that it is easy to live with. Due to its well-balanced suspension, It can do the daily driver job really well and be a long-range cruiser when called upon. Its engine isn't the most powerful on paper, but it sure feels like it has oomph when you are behind the wheel. The CVT doesn't feel like a CVT which is one of the things we truly love about the transmission.

Compact Car - 2020 Toyota Yaris

Since many parts of the car are shared with the Perodua Myvi, some might consider the Toyota Yaris a bit too pricey, but there's just something about it that
trumps
 one of the nation's best-selling cars.

With its edgy looks, bright colour palette, and optional bodykit, the Yaris strikes the right balance between the straight-laced image of past Toyotas as well as the more daring and mischievous character the automaker now finds itself leaning more toward.

That’s also the same kind of appeal that’s drawing a lot of interest away from its rivals, which have fallen into their own little rut of predictability. Since the departure of the previous Yaris that was brought to the Malaysian market, the Jazz has had the field all to itself, and upon the Toyota return, the Yaris has already managed to relegate the Honda to trailing it in sales for most of 2020.

Those doors shut with a solidity typical for a Toyota, the drive is smooth, the ride is refined, the engine is pretty much bulletproof (not literally), and the Panoramic View Monitor delivers a convenience beyond its price point.

Now that the
facelift
 has just been unveiled, the Yaris just got even better.

Crossover - 2020 Proton X50

There are just no surprises here, the
Proton X50
 is one of the hottest cars to have hit the road this year which makes it one of the most wanted crossovers available on the market. The 5-door compact SUV butts heads with segment
big shots
 such as the Honda HR-V and the very established Mitsubishi ASX, but counters their rank and tenure with pretty much all the goodies from the Geely Binyue on which it’s based.

Even the 1.5T Premium which is not the highest spec car, offers up a very formidable tech line-up that really does run circles around its competitors. But it's the Flagship that is fully loaded featuring Active Safety and Driver Assist features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Surely that's enough safety features that'll keep you safe throughout the long Balik Kampung journey.

Under the hood, all
four variants
 will serve you well on long journies as they are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine in two power levels – the lower-powered ‘port-injected’ power plant, dubbed 1.5T outputs 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque, while the more powerful ‘direct-injected’ 1.5 TGDi (High Output) outputs 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque.

Pick-up Truck - 2020 Nissan Navara

There are many more highly regarded pick-up trucks than the current
Navara
, but when it comes to on-road comfort there's just no way of beating the truck that has car-like suspension. ‘Pickup trucks’ and ‘comfortable’ are two words that just couldn’t be put together in a sentence for the longest time, but all that has changed thanks to the Navara.

Okay, it's nearly 4 years old now, but it's still the only truck that has a multi-link coil-sprung rear axle suspension which does a brilliant job in absorbing all the bumps and lumps, and according to Nissan, the Navara can carry up to a ton of load without any issues.

It's not the best truck out there, but it's definitely an urban truck that can eat up the kilometres without feeling like a typical bouncy truck. We wonder what the newest one which just made its debut will be like.

MPV - 2020 Kia Grand Carnival

While the Toyota Alphard with good reason is one of the most loved people carriers in Malaysia, we believe the
Kia Grand Carnival
 is one of the most underrated MPVs around - especially with its ability to carry 11 passengers.

You'd also imagine that fitting 11 seats into a vehicle would turn the seats into anorexic seats, but yet again, KIA has surprised. The seats are just right, not too thin, not too tall. They also provide a level of comfort that can make your 4-hour journey nice and cosy for your passengers. Coupled with those overhead air-con vents on the roof, your passengers will never really make any sort of disgruntled noises unless they begin snoring of course.

The KIA Grand Carnival also has a peach of a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine. It has 440Nm of torque and is pretty damn inaudible. It never really felt like it was working hard pulling all that weight around. It also drives like a car and not an MPV. It's pretty fuel efficient too returning a 9.4l/100km fuel economy with a full load of passengers. We weren't driving it easy either so frugal and powerful it is.

It's just a shame that KIA in Malaysia is currently going through a turbulent time, but we hope they'll be back soon.


The All-New Honda City RS Will Get Honda Sensing – But What Does It Actually Do?

The upcoming
2020 Honda City RS
 will be the latest and cheapest Honda model on sale to get the Honda Sensing suite of active safety systems.

First introduced with the fifth-generation Honda CR-V when it was introduced here in 2015 – a number of Honda’s most premium models have since been offered with company’s Sensing tech such as the previous-generation Accord, and most recently, the
facelifted Honda Civic
.

Honda Sensing is made up of a number of complimentary driver-assistance safety systems such as Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Warning. These are called active safety systems or Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) because they work at all times (unless the driver deactivates them).

What are active driver aids or ADAS?

Short for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, ADAS is an umbrella term for a list of related active safety systems. By ‘active,’ it means that the features are designed to warn the driver ahead of time, mitigate the accident altogether, or reduce the severity of the impact by at least slowing the car down at the last minute.

As opposed to passive safety systems such as airbags, ADAS tries to stop the accident from ever happening, airbags only serve to minimise injury once a crash has taken place.

The keyword here is ‘try,’ because technology cannot compensate for human stupidity or ineptitude. If you refuse to wear your seatbelts and drive like an idiot, ADAS can do very little if things go awfully wrong.

For most reasonably safe drivers, ADAS work to avoid an accident by alerting a distracted driver of potential dangers, and in extreme cases, momentarily taking over driving duties from the driver. If necessary, ADAS systems will work to automatically steer or brake the vehicle if the driver is not reacting fast enough.

Other manufacturers all have catchy names for their ADAS systems, here are some others you might have heard about:

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)

Subaru EyeSight

Mazda i-ActivSense

Perodua Active Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0

What does Honda Sensing do?

Honda Sensing works by relying on two key components – a monocular camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror and a millimetre wave radar mounted beneath grille on the front bumper.  Together, the two components work to keep the driver out of harm’s way.

Radars are very good at calculating speed and distance but are poor at identifying finer details of an object, which is crucial in filtering out false alarms.

For example, radar can’t tell if the object in front is a harmless cone or a child. Cameras are good at doing that and when combined with sophisticated image recognition software, it can make very good judgement.

When working in harmony, Honda Sensing systems create a virtual force field around the entire car, if you will, which serves to keep the vehicle and its passenger’s safe.

The Honda Sensing ADAS systems are made up of the following functions:

From the front

Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF) – Driver assist function, maintains pre-set speed and a programmable distance to the car in front. Preset travel speeds between 30 km/h and 180km/h, but the LSF works from 0 km/h. Therefore, it can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and restart again as traffic progresses.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CBMS) – Collision avoidance, both systems work in tandem to prevent or mitigate a frontal collision. FCW uses a monocular camera and millimetre wave radar to detect a risk of collision, provides an audible and visual warning. If no action is taken, CBMS steps in, and can progressively adjust brakeforce, from light to strong.

From the side

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) – Monitors vehicle position within the lane and alerts driver. If no action is taken, RDM provides subtle correction by braking individual wheels and providing steering assistance. LDW works between 72 km/h and 180 km/h.

Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) – Like the LDW, Works between 72 km/h and 180, but assists to keep the car centered within the lane with minute steering adjustments, almost unseen. This helps reduce driving effort.

Note that Honda calls these, driver-assistive functions, meaning the car still requires constant driver input, the system quickly detects when the steering is being left unattended and prompts a warning.

The combination of ADAS systems and its Honda well-publicised new i-MMD powertrain will undoubtedly make the City a class winner – if not in terms of sales, at least in terms of having a comprehensive safety and equipment list.

At this time, we do not know for certain if the Honda Sensing suite in the all-new 2020 Honda City will include all the above systems, but there’s a fair chance that given its updated platform architecture, it can be made to include all the above functions, further democratising active safety systems to a far greater market segment.

Kudos Honda!


Thailand Mulls Overhauling Excise Duties To Boost EV Car Sales

The Thai Excise Department is considering a total revamp of the automotive excise duty tax structure to boost the sales of EVs and reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels.

The Bangkok Posts reports that the tax restructuring will depend on the direction of the entire EV industry and its strategy moving forward, of which, there is a government steering committee that has been set up to oversee the overall development of the industry.

Boosting EVs in Thailand

The Thai government has previously used its Excise Tax structure as a mechanism to spur forward government initiatives with great effect. The Thai government has previously applied excise tax measures to push forward the use of 4-stroke motorcycles instead of the more pollutant 2-stroke motorcycles – and separately to boost the sale of unleaded petrol versus leaded petrol.

In all cases, the excise duty mechanism has been used to accelerate the adoption of new technology and greener vehicles and products.

Currently, EVs are exempt from excise duties from Jan 1st, 2020, to Dec 31st, 2022 for automakers that have been granted
privileges by the Board Of Investment (BoI)
. The rates increase to 2 percent from 2022 onwards (for BoI incentivised automakers), and 8 percent for carmakers without BoI incentives.

The Thai government recently approved a new package that includes a 3-year tax holiday for automakers with significant investment in EV technology, and 8-year corporate income tax waiver for EV battery producers. The new package focusses on the complete supply chain, which ranges from EV sales, production of components, and expanded to include commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks and motorcycles. The previous BoI package was largely focussed on just passenger cars.

However, the Thai-government approach is multi-pronged; with attractive corporate taxes to lure
investment and technology transfer
, excise duty structure modifications to increase sales and adoption, and special rates and tariffs for investment to boost the infrastructure to support EV adoption. In other areas, measures are being studied to ensure the management of sale prices and depreciation of EVs.

The Thai government's overarching plan to become a regional EV hub hopes to see 30 percent of vehicles sold in Thailand to be EVs (or around 750,000 vehicles) out of the projected 2.5 million sales annually by 2030.

How does Malaysia compare?

For the most part, the automotive policies in the coming years – dictated by the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP2020) – essentially expands on the guidelines of the outdated NAP 2014 and aims to futureproof Malaysia’s automotive sector over the next decade and become a regional leader in the areas of manufacturing, engineering, and research.

The
NAP 2020
 still appears light on specifics and concrete policies, though it aims to increase “research of new technologies, creation of business and job opportunities particularly for the SMEs, and the development of new manufacturing processes and value chains within the local automotive” sector.

The NAP 2020 seems more focussed on vehicle volume and lofty targets with less focus on individual measuring mechanisms to spur growth in the industry:

These are some of the key targets, which the government hopes the NAP 2020 will achieve by 2030.

Total GDP Contribution: RM104.2 billion (Currently around 40 billion)

Total Industry Volume (Passenger and Commercial Vehicles): 1.22 million units (604.2k in 2019)

Total production volume (Passenger and Commercial Vehicles): 1.47 million units (571.6k in 2019)

Exports of Motor Vehicles (CBU): RM 12.3 billion

Exports of New Automotive Parts & Components: RM28.3 billion

Exports of Remanufactured Parts & Components: RM10 billion

Total new employment opportunities: 323,000

The NAP 2020 pledges improvements in existing policy measures and implementation while gearing towards increased R&D activities, providing support for the national car projects, and expanding exports and investments.

Therefore, its best to view it not as a policy, but as a strategic roadmap for the automotive sector for the next 10 years – because policy changes are at best going to take place in stages in the coming years.

In the case of Excise Duties – the Malaysian government imposes excise duties of between 60 percent and 105 percent for locally assembled and imported cars depending on make, model, and engine capacity. This includes additional import duties applicable to certain vehicles.

By comparison – Malaysia’s archaic duty structure likely will not address the prices of new cars, let alone EVs which requires extra measures (such as Thailand is contending) to boost the rates of adoption and the relevant infrastructure needed to sustain the EV industry growth in the near and long terms.

Though it must be said, there is more than one way of boosting the sale of EVs, and we can hope that Malaysia’s initiatives will put in place measures that help achieve those key targets.


The 2020 John Cooper Works GP Is Possibly The Most Brutal MINI Ever Made

Say hello to the new MINI John Cooper Works GP, the fastest model of the British brand that has ever been approved for road use.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine making 306 hp and 450 Nm of torque, the MINI JCW GP accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, and is able to clock a top speed of 265 km/h.

Paired to the engine is an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheels, and further complementing the whole package are goodies like a newly developed turbocharger, model-specific oil supply and cooling system, custom exhaust system, a distinctive chassis design and set-up, suspension lowered by 10 mm compared to the MINI JCW Cooper, and high-performance brakes.

Presented to the public for the first time last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, only 3,000 units of the JCW GP will be made at the MINI plant in Oxford. Delivery around the globe will get underway in March 2020.

On the exterior, the MINI John Cooper Works GP has model-specific design features such as the large roof spoiler with double wing contours, a front apron surround known as the Blackband, a front spoiler lip, large air intakes, a roof spoiler which extends far beyond the side line, as well as large flared wheel arch trims made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The new MINI John Cooper Works GP is also the BMW Group's first production vehicle to feature an exposed matt CFRP coating.

The individual numbering with the numbers “0001” to “3000” is applied to the surfaces of the front wheel arch panels by means of a newly developed paint transfer process.

In terms of colour, only the exclusive finish Racing Grey metallic is available for the exterior paintwork. Meanwhile, the roof and exterior mirror caps are finished in the contrasting colour of Melting Silver metallic.

Another key exterior feature are the black inlays on the headlamps and the maximally darkened Union Jack rear light units, which emphasise the sporty flair of the JCW GP.

Inside, standard equipment includes JCW sports seats in Dinamica/leather combination with silver side edges, red accentuation seams, a GP badge underneath the integrated headrests and red belt straps.

The interior trim on the passenger side bears the numbering of the respective vehicle. This is produced individually for each one of the 3,000 extreme athletes by means of 3D printing.

The model-specific JCW leather steering wheel also acquires its exclusive character from accentuations produced using the 3D printing process.

In addition to red accentuation seams, the steering wheel rim made of soft Nappa leather also features a metal centre marking for the 12 o'clock position created using the additive manufacturing process.

The shift paddles on the steering wheel are likewise 3D-printed in metal. In addition to the GP logo, a characteristic honeycomb structure can be seen on the paddle surfaces.

Colour accentuations in the otherwise dark cockpit are provided by the red GP logos on the floor mats, matching double stripes on the gear selector and the Chili Red painted aluminium cross-brace behind the seats.

This also serves as a shield to prevent luggage items from slipping forward in the event of sudden braking.

The Connected Media system comes as standard, displaying model-specific information on the 6.5-inch screen in the central instrument panel.

The standard trim also includes a digital instrument cluster on the steering column. The high-resolution 5-inch colour screen shows the road speed both numerically and on a scale. The model-specific display includes temporary feedback and permanent display after activation of GP mode.


Hyundai's multi-award winning IONIQ 6 lands in Malaysia - two variants starting from RM290k

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has introduced the latest addition to its lineup of battery-electric vehicles in Malaysia, the Hyundai IONIQ 6. This model arrives in two variants: the IONIQ 6 Max RWD, priced at RM289,888, and the Ioniq 6 Max AWD, priced at RM319,888.

Both the Max RWD and Max AWD feature a 77.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, providing a battery range of 614 km for the Max RWD and 519 km for the Max AWD, based on the WLTP testing cycle. Notably, this gives the Ioniq 6 a larger battery capacity than the IONIQ 5, matching that of the Kia EV6.

That full charge endurance is no doubt greatly contributed to by the car's impressive drag coefficient of 0.21 Cd which was a cornerstone of the car’s design and development process, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient production passenger vehicles globally - beaten only by the Mercedes-Benz EQS.

On the exterior, the IONIQ 6 is equipped with dual-LED headlamps with intelligent front-lighting, Parametric Pixel LED rear combination tail lamps giving it a very distinctive look in dim conditions. Visually, the two variants can easily be distinguished from its wheel fitments - the RWD receives 18-inch units while the quicker AWD get a sportier looking set of 20-inchers. Closer inspection will also reveal the RWD’s lack of a panoramic sunroof.

In terms of dimensions, the Ioniq 6 measures 4,855 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm. The rear luggage capacity is 414 liters, while the Max RWD has a larger front compartment at 45 liters, and the Max AWD comes with 14.5 liters of front cargo capacity thanks to its second front-mounted motor. The kerb weights for the RWD and AWD variants are 1,910 kg and 2,020 kg, respectively.

The Max RWD is equipped with a single rear-axle-mounted motor generating 168 kW (228 PS) and 350 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Max AWD boasts dual motors, one on each axle, producing a combined 239 kW (325 PS) and 605 Nm of torque - pretty much identical to the EV6. Consequently, the IONIQ 6 Max RWD can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, while the more powerful Max AWD shaves this down to just 5.1 seconds. Both variants have an electronically limited top speed of 185 km/h.

Just like the IONIQ 5 and KIA EV6, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 features an 800-volt electrical architecture as part of the E-GMP vehicle architecture, enabling rapid charging at up to 350 kW from a DC source. This allows the car to reach a 10-80% state of charge in just 18 minutes, and a 50 kW DC charge accomplishes the same level in 73 minutes.

Inside, both variants feature leather interior upholstery with power-adjustable and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. The driver benefits from a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a multi-function steering wheel, voice command functionality, and an electrochromic interior rear-view mirror. Notably, the front window controls have been shifted from the doors to the centre console, providing more knee room by the doors. The centre console is no longer a sliding unit, unlike the IONIQ 5.

In terms of connectivity, both variants support wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth. The audio output is delivered by a Bose eight-speaker system, and the cabin features 64-colour ambient lighting. The rear seats offer a 60:40 split-folding feature, and the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality enables external electrical devices to be powered at up to 3.68 kW.

In terms of safety features, the IONIQ 6 includes seven airbags, ABS, ESC, hill start assist, multi-collision brake, seat belt reminder, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The advanced driver assistance systems encompass blind-spot collision assist, lane-keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assist, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, manual speed limit assist, Forward Collision Assist 2, remote smart parking assist, parking collision avoidance assist, and the surround view monitor.

The standard warranty offering is a two-year, 50,000 km coverage, but it can be upgraded to include a five-year, 100,000 km warranty and a three-year, 50,000 km free service package for an additional fee of RM10,000. Both the standard and optional vehicle warranty packages come with an eight-year, 160,000 km drive battery warranty.

As a bonus, the first 30 owners of the Ioniq 6 in Malaysia will receive a one-year Shell Recharge Gold EV charging membership upon delivery of their vehicle.

Being further up in the pecking order of Hyundai’s electric IONIQ range, the IONIQ 6 naturally commands a higher price, but is also more well specified even in its entry variant. That said, a starting price of just a hair under RM290k puts it in competition other EVs such as the Volvo C40 while the Kia EV6 looms as a more practical alternative (to the IONIQ 6 Max AWD) at the slight expense of range.


Volvo Launches S60 T8 CKD, No Price Difference

For those of you who didn’t manage to catch Volvo Car Malaysia’s live stream earlier today, we’re going to help to sum up their latest announcement – the introduction of the Volvo S60 T8 CKD, locally assembled at their Shah Alam plant. The price is – wait for it – exactly the same as the CBU unit, at RM295,888, inclusive of a five year warranty.

You would then expect that the CKD model comes loaded with more equipment – and you would be partially right. From what we gleamed in the rather brief product explanation, the only additions seem to be the Park Assist function and an automatic hands-free tailgate. These aren’t exactly big ticket items but they add a small amount of convenience in an increasingly inconvenient CMCO world.

Everything else remains pretty much the same. The powertrain is the T8 twin-engine as the suffix denotes, which means that it has a twin-charged 2.0-litre petrol engine up front driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and an electric motor sending drive to the rear wheels exclusively. Total system output is a hefty 407 PS and 640 Nm of torque.

The R-Design package also makes a return – similar to the CBU model. The more aggressive looking styling helps to make the S60 T8 more youthful and appealing to a younger market, as well as matching its performance figures and sporting intent. 19-inch alloy wheels sit at each corner, while a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system comes as standard and complements the Sensus portrait infotainment system we know and love.

As for why there hasn’t been much of a change in price despite not having a substantial increase in specifications, Volvo Car Malaysia stated that the CBU unit was effectively sold at a lower price point in order to be more attractive. In a way, this comes back to the point that hybrids are extremely expensive variants – range topping even – in other countries. An S60 T8 could possibly have cost over RM 400,000 had Volvo Car Malaysia not decided to price it lower.

Either way, at RM 295,888 the S60 T8 is a lot of bang for your buck. It is the most powerful model at its price point and in its class, besting the usual German offerings by far and also boasting better fuel efficiency if you don’t flog it at every opportunity.

For those of you interested in a test drive, guess what?

Volvo will Bring the Test Drive To You. Click
here
.


New 2019 Audi A6 Breaks Cover – Rolling Off Production Line In June

Audi has just presented the new eighth generation A6 sedan, bringing numerous new innovations to the table.
The German carmaker is offering the new A6 with two powertrain options – a 3.0L TFSI V6 turbo engine producing 340 hp and 500 Nm, and a 3.0L TDI turbo diesel engine kicking out 286 hp and 620 Nm of maximum torque.
While the 3.0 TDI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic, the 3.0 TFSI is coupled as standard with a seven-speed S tronic. The two engines are equipped as standard with the quattro all-wheel drive.
All engines in the new A6 come with Audi’s new mild-hybrid technology, where a belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion battery, reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
For the first time, the A6 will feature four-wheel steering that can dial in up to 5 degrees of counter-steering at slow speeds for better maneuverability, or in sync with the front wheels at high speeds for better handling.
Moving on to the exterior, the new A6 sports Audi’s new design language, featuring a long hood, a wide, low-slung single frame grille, flat headlights, and contoured air inlets.
Audi is offering three different versions of headlights for the new A6, with the top-of-the-line version getting the HD Matrix LED headlights.
Inside, the new A6 features a black-panel design, with a sleek instrument panel, a redesigned centre console, and two ambient lighting packages.
With regards to legroom in the rear, Audi claims that the new A6 beats the outgoing model and also its core competitors. The headroom and shoulder room in the front and rear are also superior to the outgoing model.
The luggage compartment offers more loading width as well – two golf bags can be accommodated horizontally. The capacity remains unchanged at 530 liters.
In terms of features, the A6 now comes with the new all-digital MMI touch response system. With extensive intelligent personalization options, up to seven drivers can store their preferred settings in individual user profiles, configuring as many as 400 parameters.
Other features offered in the car includes new seats, the natural-language control, MMI navigation, the new LTE Advanced system, Parking Pilot, Garage Pilot, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Assist, and a trunk lid that can be opened with a kicking motion.
That being said, the new A6 is all set to roll off Audi’s assembly line in Neckarsulm by June 2018, and will be launched in a few European markets in the third quarter of the year.
The paint range for the new A6 offers a choice of 14 colors, seven of which are new. In addition to the basic version, customers have a choice of the two sport and design exterior trim lines as well as the S line exterior package.


New Lexus RX300 Launched In Malaysia – 3 Variants, From RM399,888

In short order after its world debut, Lexus Malaysia has formally introduced the facelifted fourth-generation Lexus RX to the Malaysian market. The new car introduces significant enhancements in its safety equipment, driving performance, and design.
The previous RX350 and RX450 h models have been discontinued, Lexus opting to offer a sole powertrain option, the RX300 in three distinct variants: Premium, Luxury, and F Sport.
In terms of aesthetics the biggest difference is the updated spindle grille – which features an L-Shaped graphic in the Premium and Luxury variants and a vertical mesh theme in the F Sport variant – elsewhere, there are newly sculpted bumpers, front and rear, as well as sharper headlights which integrate compact LED projectors, Active Highbeam System (AHS), and LED DRLs. At the rear, the new car can be identified by its four L-Shaped light elements and sequential turn signals.
On the inside, the RX300 is offered with three interior colour themes for the RX300 Premium and Luxury: Ochher with Shimamoku Wood trim, Black with Shimamoku Wood trim, and Noble Brown with Shimamoku Wood trim. Both variants are upholstered with semi-aniline leather. The F Sport is offered with two interior colour themes Flare Red with Aluminum Trim, and Black with Aluminium Trim, along with the unique F Sport leather.
All variants now come with a touchscreen infotainment unit, the Premium variant offers up an 8.0-inch unit, while the Luxury and F Sport variants have a larger 12.3-inch unit with route navigation. The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A Pioneer 12-speaker audio system is supplied as standard.
Standard equipment also includes paddle-shifters, Qi wireless charging for mobile devices and Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface (RTI). The Luxury and F Sport trims are additionally supplied with a handsfree boot opening system, which works by swiping your foot under the rear bumper to unlock the boot.
The RX300 is powered by the (8AR-FTS) turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which produces 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque between 1,650 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The RX300 is equipped with the company’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system which can vary between 50 to 100 percent of available torque between the front and rear axles depending on driving conditions.
In terms of safety, the highlights are the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA). The RX300 is also fitted with Active Cornering Asisst (ACA) to help the driver guide the vehicle during cornering. The ACA works in tandem with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). This is in addition to more common safety systems such as Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Note, the RX300 is supplied with a whopping 10 airbags.
All variants are now supplied with the camera-aided parking systems, whereby the reverse camera in the RX300 works in tandem with the reverse sensors for better accuracy. The Luxury and F Sport variants are additionally supplied with a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor.
Two new highlight colours of the RX300 include the Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic (pictured), and Ice Ecru Mica Metallic. The RX300 starts off at RM 399,888, inclusive of a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty.


2017 Honda CR-V Scores 5 Stars Under New ASEAN NCAP Rating

Honda Malaysia has announced that the all-new 2017 CR-V has achieved a 5-star rating in ASEAN NCAP's new rating system, with a score of 88.80 in Adult Occupant Protection
(AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP) and Safety Assist Technologies (SATs). The rating applies for all variants of the new Honda CR-V.
Under the new ASEAN NCAP rating system, the 2017 Honda CR-V scored 47.25 points for AOP, 22.84 points for COP and 18.71 points for SATs, putting the CR-V as the safest SUV in its segment.
The new ASEAN NCAP rating system now features a Safety Assist (SA) category, which contributes to 25% of the overall rating with a maximum of 18 points. The new Safety Assist (SA) category covers effective braking and avoidance, including ABS and ESC, seat belt reminders for driver, front and rear passengers, Blind Spot Technology for nearside and offside detection and Advanced Safety Assist Technologies, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS).
Offered on the new Honda CR-V is Honda Sensing and Honda LaneWatch, both of which were assessed under the new protocol. The 2017 Honda CR-V scored 18.71 points for its advanced safety features.
Honda Sensing includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Honda Malaysia has tested Honda Sensing extensively on Malaysian roads and conditions, ensuring that it works as advertised for the Malaysian market. Honda Sensing is only available on the most expensive CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD variant.
On top of the Honda Sensing suite of safety equipment, all variants of the 2017 Honda CR-V also comes with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), ABS, Walk Away Auto Lock and a reverse camera.
The new ASEAN NCAP scoring system details can be found here:
New 2017 ASEAN NCAP Rating System Explained – Side Impact, Assist Tech Gain Importance


BMW Group vs Daimler – Both Said They Are No.1 But Who Came Out Top For 2018?

It’s that time of the year when manufacturers announce their ‘report cards’ to investors, and C-level executives have their performance reviewed. It’s not uncommon for several companies to claim the title of being ‘number one’ for themselves; it’s all about semantics.
Yesterday, Daimler announced its 2018 results and proudly proclaimed Mercedes-Benz brand was once again the strongest-selling premium brand in the automotive industry, with 2,252,800 units sold.
The BMW Group had earlier announced that it had achieved its eighth consecutive annual sales record, with a total of 2,490,664 units, calling itself the world’s number one premium automotive manufacturer.
Both companies are correct in calling themselves number one. The question is which definition of number one are you referring to?
As a manufacturers of premium vehicles, the BMW Group is clearly number one, but keep in mind that this number includes MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad two-wheelers.
Daimler makes far more vehicles than the BMW Group, at over 3.4 million units but this includes commercial vehicles made by the Mercedes-Benz Vans, Trucks, and Buses divisions.
Daimler’s premium passenger car sales are all parked under the Mercedes-Benz Cars division, which sold 2,382,800 units last year. The Mercedes-Benz brand alone sold 2,252,800 cars but this doesn’t include contributions by Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-AMG and smart (yes, with lowercase) brands, whose detailed breakdowns are not made public by Daimler.
Further complicating matters are cars like the V-Class and X-Class, both are products made by the Mercedes-Benz Vans division but its sales are parked under Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Between the Mercedes-Benz brand and the BMW Group’s namesake BMW cars brand, it is Mercedes-Benz that sells more - 2,252,800 units versus 2,125,026 units. However keep in mind that BMW’s numbers include 102,780 units of BMW M models while Daimler is a bit vague on whether its numbers include AMG and Maybach models.
In its reporting to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), Daimler reports Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach numbers under the Mercedes brand, separating only smart. However the company’s own financial report separates the Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and smart sub-brands.
This would imply that Mercedes-Benz’s (including AMG and Maybach) lead over BMW cars is actually even wider but remember that a large of chunk of Mercedes-Benz’s sales is contributed by fleet orders from taxi companies and government civil services. BMW also does fleet sales but the majority of their sales are contributed by private owners.
If one were to limit the comparison between BMW cars and Mercedes cars, the former sold 2,325,098 cars against the latter’s 2,382,800. In other words, Daimler’s premium cars outsold BMW’s by a very thin 2 percent margin.
In short if you were to compare only four-wheelers, then yes Daimler came out on top, but as a premium vehicle manufacturer, the BMW Group came out on top thanks to contributions by BMW Motorrad. Some might not agree with BMW’s methods but nobody will disagree that BMW motorcycles are premium products.


Proton Opens Its First Ever 4S Centre In Sabah

Proton together with authorised dealer Fook Loi Corporation has opened the doors to the company’s first full-fledged 4S centre in Malaysia, Based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
In line with the company’s overarching network expansion programme, the latest 4S centre further extends the company’s lead for the most 3S & 4S outlets in operation nationwide.
Chief Executive Officer of Proton, Dr. Li Chunrong added, “These (referring to features such as comfortable lounges, free WIFI, a kid’s corner, and refreshment area at service outlets) may seem like simple requirements, but they are critical ones. When customers walk into our showroom or service centre, they would like to be greeted by smiling faces and a beautifully lit area,”
“This will then set the tone for more meaningful conversations and customers will feel welcomed and appreciated. Since outlets are our first point of contact, numerous steps have been taken to ensure that a wholesome experience starts here. These efforts have paid off. Our sales have been on an increasing trend and with our new products, we are confident that we are on track for the company’s return to profitability.”
The Fook Loi 4S facility situated in Inanam, Kota Kinabalu spans 20,000 sq.ft., inclusive of a 16,000 sq.ft. showroom and client space, as well as 18 service bays and relevant bodywork repair facilities. The Fook Loi 4S centre was built at a cost of RM17 million.


Ipoh Launches AI Traffic Lights - Better Traffic Flow Of Up To 51%

Ipoh City Council installs traffic lights with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities - statewide coverage to follow suit.

Ipoh wants to be a low-carbon city by 2030, and one of the first measures taken by the Ipoh City Council to achieve this goal is to install a traffic light system with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

A service subscription agreement was inked recently between Ipoh City Council (MBI) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) for the AI traffic light system called STARS.

According to NST, State Youth, Sports and Multimedia Committee chairman Khairul Shahril Mohamad said for the initial stage, STARS had been placed in four locations in November last year.

He said the council, together with TM had implemented a trial period for STARS at four intersections along Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, Ipoh.

"The four locations are at intersections of Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and Jalan Laksamana, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and Jalan Datuk Onn Jaafar, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, and Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and Jalan Raja Ekram," he said after launching the Ipoh Integrated Operation Centre (IIOC) and 5G at Urban Transformation Centre (UTC). Present was Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.

The smart traffic lights, which would eventually be installed statewide, will
help smoothen traffic flow
 by up to 51%, according to Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.

"It will help smoothen traffic flow by up to 51%, especially during peak hours, which helps save time and cost for road users.

Khairul also added that the AI traffic lights would help reduce carbon emissions by the thousands.

"The installation of STARS has indirectly had a major impact on reducing the rate of carbon emissions by 7,500kg per month," he said.

Powered through a 5G network, the STARS system is linked to the Ipoh Integrated Operation Centre (IIOC), which is the heart of the Ipoh Smart City Action Plan.

According to MBI, Ipoh has become the first city in the northern region to get 5G access at a speed of 1 GB per second, and statewide coverage is in the works.


October 2017 Vehicle Sales – Market Recovers With Improvements For Most Brands

Vehicle sales in October improved rather well when compared to September. The lack of any public holiday meant that vehicle sales were not affected.
According to the data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), a total of 47,041 vehicles were sold in October, a 14.8% increase over September’s 40,981 units. From January to October, 472,723 new vehicles were sold, a slight 1.4% increase over the same period in 2016.
Perodua continues to lead the pack with 16,491 vehicles sold. Year to date, the company managed to shift 168,071 units, a 1.6% increase over 2016’s 167,037 units. The introduction of the all-new Myvi should aid the company hit its 202,000 unit sales target.
The all-new Mazda CX-5 was also introduced in October, which helped increased the company’s total sales to 1,007 units, a strong 38.3% increase over September.
Honda maintains its position as the number one non-national car manufacturer, having sold 9,066 vehicles in October. Year-on-year, Honda’s sales improved 22.9% or 16,342 units more. Cumulative sales for Honda stood at 87,808 units.
Proton also did reasonably well in October, as they sold 5,083 units that month. This marks a 13% increase over the month prior. Cumulative sales for Proton stood at 61,380 units.
Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the premium segment with 1,168 units sold in October, ahead of BMW’s 975 units. Compare to September, Mercedes-Benz saw an increase of 22.3%, as opposed to BMW which experienced a drop of 2.7% or 27 units less.


Perak's AMY vehicle registration plate proving to be popular, RM6 million worth of bids

Perak's AMY vehicle registration plates manages to collect RM6 million worth of bids.

Looks like the AMY registration plate issued by Perak's Road Transport Department(JPJ) is proving to be popular as the vehicle registration plate 'AMY 1'
received a bid
 for as much as RM400,000, which was the highest during the five-day bidding period that started April 9.

According to Berita Harian, the bid exceeded the number plate of the 'AKU' series which were issued in August 2017. The number plate AKU 8055 was bid at a price of RM74,000 while that of AKU 1 was RM207,898.90.

Perak JPJ Director, Mohammad Yusoff Abustan said after AMY 1, AMY 2 to AMY 9 each fetched a bid of more than RM80,000 each.

He said that his party managed to collect RM6 million in bids for the 'AMY' series registration number in the session, which ended on April 13.

"There are only 16 numbers left involving the popular AMY series," he said at the recent Road Safety Campaign program in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2023.

"Through the 'AMY' series, I see that people have a lot of disposable income considering that almost all the numbers have been taken and owned," he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who is Perak's Member of the State Legislative Assembly expects more than three million vehicles to enter Perak, including those who are using the North-South Highway in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration, especially during the peak hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.


Pandan Indah bomb attack suspects charged with murder

The married couple involved in the Pandan Indah bomb attack has been charged with murder by the Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Both suspects aged 30 and 33 were jointly charged for the murder of 29-year-old Cho Lim Fong using a homemade bomb that was placed on the bonnet of his car in front of a restaurant at Jalan Pandan Indah 1/22. The incident took place on 29 December 2022 at around 9 pm.

Death penalty if convicted

*Image credit: Sin Chew

Both individuals were charged under Sections 302 and 34 of the Penal Code where if they are convicted, the crime carries the punishment of the death penalty. No plea was recorded by the court when the charge was read out to the couple.

The Star
 did however report that the lawyer representing the couple requested bail for the woman in order to take care of their two children ages five and seven. That request, however, was objected to by the deputy public prosecutor. The next mention of the case will take place on 23 March 2023.


Ford Announces RM7,000 Cash Rebate for the Ranger WildTrak

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, today announced the start of its Ford Ranger WildTrak promotion with a RM7,000 cash rebate starting today.

During this period, customers can also take advantage of the current ‘Ford Ranger XLT Family Promotion’ which is ongoing until the 31st of May 2020 – with savings of up to RM9,000 for Ranger XLT 2.2L, RM8,000 for Ranger XLT Special Edition, and RM7,188 for the XLT Plus.

All Ford Ranger vehicles come with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first.

In line with SDAC-Ford’s ongoing digital initiatives, customers who are interested in the promotions can simply reach out to Ford’s Digital Salesperson from 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday.

Customers simply need to WhatsApp +6019-204 1200 to start chatting where queries will be attended to within 24 hours, or visit the website.

The ‘Digital Salesperson’ seeks to address customer queries relating to a vehicle purchase, including queries on products, ongoing promotions, and vehicle price list.

It acts as a channel to link customers with an authorised Ford salesperson nearest to them, who would be able to advise on stock availability, in-showroom promotions, loan financing options, road tax and vehicle registration fees as well as insurance options via WhatsApp, Email or by phone call for those who still prefer to deal with us remotely.