Proton 10-Year Business Plan - 400,000 Sales in 2027, 30% For Export

Local daily StarBiz reported that Proton has drafted a 10-year business turnaround plan that will lead the company to a production target of 400,000 units in 2027 and becoming one of the top three car manufacturers in the Asean region.
In the news report, Proton’s management team headed by new CEO Dr. Li Chunrong from Geely drafted the plan and is expected to be presented to the Government for approval.
“The first three years is the most critical period for Proton to turn around. Company-wide effort is being harnessed to achieve this objective. Geely’s technologies and experience in turning around Volvo are key factors contributing to the growth of Proton and the local car industry” says the plan.
The management’s first focus is to make Proton profitable “as soon as practicable”.
Within the plan, aggressive business targets have been set up in various chains of the car manufacturer’s business, including suppliers, quality, manufacturing, and new product offensive.
Volume targets
200,000 units in 2020 (2017: 70,991 units)
Over 300,000 units in 2023
400,000 units in 2027
Market share targets
Malaysia - 30% and market leader (2017: 12.3%)
Asean region - 10%
Procurement and suppliers
Dr. Li recently directed the company’s suppliers to reduce their prices by 30%, in line with market prices which are 30% lower.
By 2021, 80% of Proton’s components and services will be sourced locally, with vendors that meet strict quality, reliability and costs targets.
Quality
Last year, Proton began using a stringent quality control system from Volvo and claims that product quality has improved by 30% to 50%.
Manufacturing and export
Production expansion will be
moved to the larger, more modern Tanjung Malim plant
. Proton will also upgrade the capability of its talent and staff.
The older Shah Alam plant still manufactures the Saga, Perdana and Exora models.
Exports will account for 25% to 30% of its annual sales.
Sales channels
Increase sales centres to
109
 by October 2018 from current 75.
Existing dealers are also encouraged to upgrade to 3S and 4S centres.
To encourage dealer’s confidence, a select few local dealers were invited to China to view Geely’s operations and high-end technology in the production of Geely-Volvo products back in December.
Future product plans
New: Introduce 3 new models
Upgrade: 4 current models
To recap, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group from China acquired 49.9% stake in Proton from DRB-Hicom in June 2017. Proton has also officially declared the first product from this new ownership will be a mid-sized SUV, based heavily on the successful Geely Boyue.
The Proton SUV is due to be launched in Q4 2018
 with a few dealership
previewing the heavily masked Geely Boyue
 to visitors at their premises.


Geneva 2018: All-New Peugeot 508 First Edition - Limited To 12 Euro Markets

Ahead of its first public appearance at the upcoming 2018 Geneva International Motor Show, Peugeot has announced the Peugeot 508 First Edition, a limited volume, "early-bird" model that is offered to just 12 selected European markets, with first deliveries starting in October 2018.
First Edition models are equipped with the GT Line trim, and is offered in only two colours: Dark Blue and Ultimate Red. Along the flanks, the First Editions are equipped with 19-inch Augusta alloys with hubcaps in two diamond-set hues and a Grey Dust coating.
Aside from the exterior features, First Edition models will be equipped with Zebrano-type wood highlights, Alcantara trimmings and black leather upholstery with copper stitching lines. The steering wheel is wrapped in perforated full-grain leather.
Elsewhere in the cabin, a black roof liner, Full-LED ambient lighting,  aluminium pedals and door sills marked with First Edition, are also added on.
All First Edition models will be offered with either the 1.6-litre turbocharged ‘PureTech’ petrol engine which outputs 225 hp, or the 2.0-litre turbodiesel ‘Blue HDi’ which delivers 180 hp. In both cases, the engine will be mated to the EAT8, eight-speed automatic transmission, co-developed with transmission specialist Aisin.
The all-new Peugeot 508 is underpinned by the company’s EMP2 platform, which achieves a weight reduction of 70 kg on average, compared to the previous model.
Peugeot has also employed a new body-welding technique which is strengthened with a structural adhesive, to provide greater body rigidity and acoustic insulation.
As reported during the
world-premiere of the Peugeot 508
, the cabin will feature the latest i-Cockpit architecture which features an installable head-height digital panel and a 10-inch HD capacitive touchscreen. The all-new Peugeot 508 also boasts Night Vision camera technology, a first for the segment, which detects living beings, within a 200-250 meter range in front of the vehicle in low-visibility conditions.
Peugeot 508 First Editions will also be equipped a premium sound system, featuring ten loudspeakers, which Peugeot developed with Focal. Upon order confirmation, all First Edition customers will receive a set of Focal Hi-Fi premium earphones, delivered to their residence.


2017 Porsche 919 Hybrid WEC Race Car Introduced – Le Mans Hat Trick?

Porsche has pulled the wraps off the updated Porsche 919 Hybrid Le Mans prototype, which it hopes will secure hat trick wins in both the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship driver and manufacturer titles and the 2017 Le Mans 24-hour race.
The 2017 model of the Porsche 919 Hybrid introduces a range of new innovations, particularly in the vehicle’s aerodynamics, the chassis and the combustion engine.
Team Principal Andreas Seidl adds, “For the 2017 season, 60 to 70 percent of the vehicle is newly developed. The basic concept of the 919 Hybrid still offers scope to optimise the finer details and further boost efficiency. The monocoque has remained unchanged since 2016, but the optimisation potential of all other components was analysed and, in most cases, adjustments made accordingly.”
The technical regulations for the 2017 FIA WEC World Endurance Championship introduce further limitations in terms of the dimensions of body components that affect aerodynamics.
In an effort to increase safety, the new measurements reduce the downforce of the LMP1 prototypes, which in turn lowers the vehicle’s cornering speed for safety reasons.
Based on the new specifications and developmental findings, Porsche engineers devised two brand-new aerodynamics packages for the 919 Hybrid. 2017 regulations allow a maximum of two aero packages per car.
One of the new aerodynamics packages is specifically designed for high-speed and focuses on minimising air resistance, while the second package compensates for a higher level of drag with greater downforce for twisty, technical tracks.
The 2017 919 Hybrid features higher, wider and longer wheel arches, a new channel from the monocoque to the wheel arch on the side, along with the redesigned rear air intakes for the radiators.
Alongside the mechanical enhancements, a number of software updates in terms of traction control and hybrid power management have helped to further improve the driving quality of the 919. LMP1 cars have three fewer sets of tyres in 2017, now required to last around double the driving time, the software updates are claimed to have a positive effect on the service life of the tyres, Porsche are even aiming for tyres to run quadruple stints in night time driving when track temperatures are cooler.
The basic principle behind the drive system is unchanged, but Porsche engineers have boosted the performance of the drivetrain – the transmission on the front and rear axle, the combustion engine, the electric motor and the energy recovery systems have all been optimised.
The compact turbocharged 2.0-litre V4 engine produces just under 500hp works in tandem with an electric motor on the front axle producing over 400hp. The 919 utilises a brake energy recovery system on the front axle plus an exhaust energy recovery system (which uses small turbine within the exhaust tract acting as a generator) to recharge the lithium-ion battery. The 919 Hybrid is the only prototype to recover energy during acceleration as well as braking. Combined power output is rated at more than 900hp.
This year, the number “1” 919 Hybrid will be piloted by Neel Jani (Switzerland), André Lotterer (Germany) and Nick Tandy (Great Britain), while the team’s number “2” car will be shared between 2015 World Champion Timo Bernhard (Germany) and two New Zealanders, Earl Bamber (26) and Brendon Hartley (27).


Spied: First Undisguised Pictures Of Proton’s Upcoming Ertiga

The first undisguised images of the Proton’s upcoming B-Segment MPV based on the Suzuki Ertiga, have leaked through the Proton Ertiga Community (Malaysia) Facebook page. The latest round of spy shots were picked up by our friends at
Funtasticko
, revealing details of the side and rear of the MPV.
Proton's all-new MPV which is rumoured for launch in November, might take on a new name come time for its introduction, different from Ertiga, which it's commonly referred to currently.
Earlier spy shots
 of the car wearing camouflage hinted that the Ertiga was in the final stages of development, the newest images albeit grainy, indicate some aesthetic detail of the body colour options, rear bumper and design of the alloy wheels.
The Ertiga MPV is the first joint-venture product through the national carmaker’s
alliance with Suzuki
, which was forged in 2015.
Based on available specifications of its Suzuki donor vehicle, it is likely that the Ertiga will be powered by the same 1.4-litre four-cylinder VVT petrol engine as seen on the Swift.The Ertiga will the final model to be launched – delivering on Proton’s promise of four all-new models in 2016, after the introductions of the
Perdana
,
Persona
 and
Saga
 models respectively.


2017 Renault Koleos Now With AWD – RM202k

The Renault Koleos D-segment SUV now comes with the option of all-wheel drive in the Malaysian market. The new variant costs an extra RM19k over the existing front-wheel drive model and is powered by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
Pricing of the new Koleos 2.5 AWD is estimated at RM201,800 on-the-road without insurance, while the
existing front-wheel drive variant
 now costs RM182,800 – a RM10k increase from its
launch price
.
Equipment levels between the two drivetrain variants are largely identical, with the exception of a powered tailgate introduced as a piece of exclusive equipment for the AWD model.
To recap, noteworthy features offered in both the Koleos FWD and AWD are as follows:
LED headlamps with DRL
18-inch alloy wheels
7-inch TFT virtual instrument cluster
R-Link 2 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen
Reverse camera, all-round parking sensors
Electronic parking brake
Audio: 8 Arkamys speakers with 3D sound
6 airbags
Blind spot warning
ABS, EBD
Electronic stability control
The new range-topper also gains the option of an exclusive new colour Marron Red to complement the existing colour palette already offered to the FWD model that consists of the following shades – Universal White, Meissen Blue, Grey Metallic, and Black Metallic.
Powering the Koleos is Nissan’s 2.5-litre QR25DE port-injected four-cylinder petrol engine rated with outputs of 171 PS and 226 Nm. Standard transmission is the Jatco-sourced X-Tronic CVT.
Exclusive to the new AWD variant is Nissan’s All-Mode 4x4-i technology also found in the
X-Trail 2.5 AWD
 with which the Koleos
shares much of its running gear
. Through a dash-mounted switch, the system offers three driving modes – 2WD, 4WD Auto, and 4WD Lock.
In 4WD Auto mode, the system automatically varies front-rear torque distribution between fully front and 50:50. Meanwhile, in 4WD Lock (operable below 40 km/h only), the drivetrain is locked into a 50:50 torque split.
The new Renault Koleos AWD is officially open for booking and can be viewed at selected showrooms. The new variant also joins the full range of Renault vehicles on tour at the following roadshows:
19 – 23 July: Mid Valley Megamall Centre Court
24 – 30 July: Renault Petaling Jaya, Jalan Kemajuan
16 – 20 Aug: Renault Glenmarie, Jalan Penguasa A
21 – 27 Aug: Renault Setapak, Jalan Genting Klang
30 Aug – 3 Sep: IOI City Mall, Putrajaya
4 – 10 Sep: Renault Puchong, Bandar Puteri
18 – 24 Sep: Renault Setia Alam, Jalan Setia Prima


New Audi Q2 Previewed In Malaysia, Possible 2019 Debut?

Audi Malaysia has previewed two upcoming models at the Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE), happening at the Setia City Convention Centre this weekend. The first is the Audi Q2, while the other is
 the second generation Audi Q5
.
The Audi Q2 is the Inglostadt-based company’s smallest SUV ever, sitting below the Q3, Q5, and Q7. Built on the company’s MQB platform, the Audi Q2 is aimed squarely at grabbing a share of the premium compact crossover segment from the BMW X1, MINI Countryman, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Last year, Audi Thailand showcased the Q2 at the
2017 Bangkok International Motor Show
 in the 35 TFSI trim. This particular model is powered by 1.4-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that does 150 hp and 250 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Will Audi Malaysia launch the Q2 in 2019? There is a good chance
it could happen
, as Audi is going to focus more on SUVs for the Malaysian market, as there is a strong demand for such vehicles here.


Perodua B-Segment SUV Incoming?

Perodua is currently researching the possibilities of creating a full-fledged B-segment SUV to challenge the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V.

According to rumours through the grapevine, Perodua has invited members of the public to conduct a market survey on an unnamed
B-segment SUV
. If this is true, then this will be Perodua's third SUV, after the
Ativa
 and Aruz.

Most of you must be wondering, isn't the Ativa already a B-segment SUV? Yes, it is, but the cute little Ativa is just an entry-level B-segment SUV, much smaller than full B-segment models such as the Proton X50 or the Honda HR-V.

Since it's just a rumour, for now, details of the model are unclear, but it is likely to be based on the DNGA-B platform, seen on the Toyota Avanza and the new generation
Perodua Alza
. The DNGA-B platform is larger than the DNGA-A platform used by the Perodua Ativa.

The new B-segment SUV is said to have a coupe-like look going for it (as depicted in Theophilus Chin's rendering of the SUV) but will be given a very similar face to the Ativa. Powerplant wise, the larger Perodua B-segment SUV is rumoured to be getting the 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i 2NR-VE engine, as seen on the new generation Avanza that has
already been launched in Indonesia
.

The engine will have the same performance numbers as the Avanza, coming in at 106 PS and 137 Nm of torque (102 PS on the
current Myvi
). In addition, it has also been said that the Perodua B-segment SUV will get a D-CVT, just like the current Myvi.

Like most Peroduas these days, it is expected to come equipped with Perodua's
ASA
 driving safety assistance system, similar to the Ativa and Myvi and an infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen with
Apple CarPlay support
.

If the Perodua B-segment SUV is
priced
smart
, say between the Perodua Ativa (RM62k- RM72k) and Proton X50 (RM79k - RM103k), then Perodua will have another winner in its books - especially when you consider Perodua's reputation of making reliable cars with good after-sales support.

However, the Perodua B-segment SUV is unlikely to make an appearance anytime soon, as Perodua has yet to introduce the
new generation Alza
 and
facelift

Axia
 and
Aruz
. Therefore, we can probably expect the unveiling of the SUV to be carried out in 2023 at the earliest.


The Proton Persona WAS The Most Amount Of Proton For Least Money

The Persona has had its fair share of ups and downs throughout the course of its life to arrive at this point. With Proton fielding it as a B-segment entrant with the kind of equipment outlay we’d expect to find at higher price points, shouldn’t it be enjoying a lot more success than it has?

Rewinding the clock back more than a decade and I vividly recall a marketing stunt that Proton was pulling. At the time, no one yet knew what the Persona would be but they automaker had placed a car in the middle of an outdoor open area at a local shopping centre, hidden in a box with holes placed for passers-by to peek through (and not see much).

It built up some considerable hype for a 'totally new car' despite everyone already guessing that it would be at least somewhat related to the Gen2, Proton’s then-most recent model. After all, the name itself was first used on certain import markets for the Wira, so we expected something ‘familiar’.

When it was finally revealed to the public, albeit anticlimactically, it turned out to be a Gen2 with a proper boot. Still, the car was a hit with buyers, blending plenty of practicality with sharp pricing and even the sharper handling that the hatchback was already known for while managing to address a lot of its niggling mechanical and interior issues.

Over the course of its 9 year production run, more than a quarter of a million cars were made, making it one of Proton’s most successful models. However, midway through its life, the C-segment sedan was about to face some competition from within in the form of the Preve, relegating the Persona to being the company’s lower-tier saloon model.

While Proton had cornered themselves in a way when it came to creating a successor to the Gen2 (Gen3?), it decided it would supplant two existing models with newer, fancier, and more expensive cars. Eventually, the duo that was the Gen2 and Persona were replaced by the Preve and Suprima S.

The former of that pair never got a second wind but the Persona did
emerge again in 2016
, but this time as a smaller B-segmenter based on another hatchback, the Iriz. The formula was very similar, however, as this newest Persona added a few notches of extra practicality over its five-door stablemate while presenting itself as a more grown-up vehicle altogether.

While the Iriz was obsessed with being hip to the younger crowd, the Persona was content with being the spacious, subtle, safe, and affordable family runabout. That said, its market positioning did force it to lock horns with the
Toyota Vios and Honda City
.

Despite the price gulf, and against that high calibre of rivals, the Persona did seem to struggle. That said, it was also facing competition from below in the form of the Perodua Bezza. Stuck between two ends of the B-segment spectrum and with ungainly looks, this newer Proton never really found the same level of success enjoyed by its larger predecessor.

Still, it can’t be said that it lacked a generous smattering of goodies for the buyer that did look its way. The Persona offered a lot of car for the money, clocking in at just under RM55k for the range-topping Premium variant, which is equipped with the kind of tech and safety features that put it on par with its Japanese main rivals.

Despite the small-ish load aperture, its massive 510-litre boot has always been the main attraction here, which matches the Honda City and is a little larger than the Bezza’s, making the Persona an ideal choice for a small family.

Powering the Proton is a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated VVT petrol engine (previously known as the CamPro) that churns out 109PS and 150Nm that provides decent enough pace but would be better served by a conventional torque converter automatic instead of the CVT available in all variants except for the entry-level Standard MT. However, despite your reservations about this type of transmission, those infinite ratios do equate to improved fuel economy, especially in urban driving.

The Persona is also one of Proton’s better built cars and they’ve made significant headway to matching the overall fit and finish to within earshot of even some Japanese rivals. More so with the
recent 2019 facelift
, noise and vibration has been minimised even more while retaining some very positive ride and handling characteristics. Alongside that, the upgraded infotainment system brings a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen into the mix as well as GKUI interface and feature set first seen in the X70.

These include Proton’s streaming data subscription that enables some limited voice assistant functionality, a 4G/Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and online music streaming. Sure, there are some kinks to iron out with the overall user experience here, but this is something that the competition just cannot match at this price.

Of course, the Persona retains its 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating with anti-lock brakes, EBD, stability control, and traction control made standard across the range. There’s also 6 airbags, front parking sensors, and a handy reversing camera.

All in all, it's still a pretty solid package even in 2020. For a long time, it was the most amount of Proton for the least amount of money. However, can that still be uttered in the face of the X70 and incoming X50?


Teaser Perodua Myvi 2022 Facelift – Interior, PSDA, Kawalan Suara dan Mod Power

Beri laluan, teaser
Perodua Myvi 2022
facelift
 dah keluar!

Nampak gayanya, Perodua Myvi 2022 facelift ini hanya menunggu masa sahaja untuk dilancarkan. Baru-baru ini, Perodua telah mengeluarkan beberapa keping gambar serta video teaser yang berdurasi selama 11 saat yang menunjukkan beberapa peningkatan pada Myvi 2022 termasuk bahagian dalamannya. Jom kita tengok apa yang baru!

Stereng

Melihat pada sterengnya, ia kelihatan sama seperti stereng yang diberikan pada
Perodua Ativa
. Berbeza dengan stereng pada Myvi sebelumnya, stereng Myvi 2022 ini dilengkapi dengan pelbagai butang kawalan seperti kawalan suara, mod POWER serta beberapa butang lain yang boleh mengawal pelbagai fungsi termasuk sistem
infotainment
 dan paparan
multi-info
 di kluster instrumen kereta.

Bukan itu sahaja, stereng tersebut juga menunjukkan butang
Adaptive Cruise Control

dan Lane Keep Assist
 menandakan bahawa pembeli dapat menikmati ciri keselamatan yang canggih pada kereta
mampu milik
 di bawah harga RM60k!

Kluster Instrumen

Meskipun menerima stereng yang sama seperti Ativa, namun kluster instrumen Myvi 2022 agak berbeza dengan Ativa yang menggunakan paparan digital sepenuhnya. Kali ini, kluster instrumen Myvi 2022 bertemakan warna merah dengan menggabungkan meter analog dan paparan
multi-info
 berwarna yang lebih besar di bahagian tengah.

Ciri Keselamatan

Seperti anda tahu, Myvi 2022 ini bakal dilengkapi dengan ciri keselamatan yang lebih menyeluruh seperti yang terdapat pada Ativa. Oleh itu, Myvi ini akan dilengkapi dengan sistem Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) yang memberikan bantuan pemanduan seperti
Advance Safety Assist (ASA)
, amaran pelanggaran, kawalan pelayaran adaptif, bantuan parkir dan
headlamp assist.
Perodua turut menyatakan bahawa PSDA ini turut akan ditawarkan pada model asas (1.3 G) sebagai pilihan.

Interior

Menerusi satu gambar teaser yang dikeluarkan Perodua, sebahagian daripada bahagian dalaman kereta telah dipertontonkan di mana Myvi 2022 ini bakal dilengkapi dengan
dashcam
 terbina siap. Selain itu, paparan sistem infotainment Myvi 2022 ini bukanlah jenis terapung seperti Ativa. Terdapat juga kemasan merah di bahagian corong
penyaman udara
.

Exterior

Mengikut teaser rasmi Perodua, bahagian luaran kereta ini yang telah didedahkan hanyalah bahagian DRL di bampar hadapan kereta sahaja. Walau bagaimanapun, rupa penuh kereta ini bukan lagi misteri di mana gambar
spy shot
 kereta ini sudah tersebar jauh di media sosial. Antara perubahan yang ada pada myvi 2022 ini adalah rekaan bampar baharu, DRL, tiada lagi lampu kabus dan corong hiasan di bampar belakangnya turut direka lebih kecil dan menegak.

Myvi 2022 Facelift ini akan ditawarkan dalam beberapa varian seperti varian tertingginya, 1.5L AV (Advance), 1.5L H, 1.5L X dan dua varian enjin yang lebih kecil iaitu 1.3L G. Semua varian ini hadir dalam transmisi automatik memandangkan Perodua telah menggugurkan transmisi manual dalam barisan Myvi 2022 ini.

Walau bagaimanapun, enjin sama masih digunakan iaitu 1NR-VE (95 PS/121 Nm) dan 2NR-VE (103 PS/137 Nm). Tiada enjin turbo untuk Myvi 2022 ini dan transmisinya dijangka akan ditukar pada
D-CVT
 yang ada pada Ativa. Segala peningkatan tersebut telah membuatkan harga Myvi ini lebih mahal RM6k berbanding model sebelumnya. Myvi 2022 ini akan dijual berharga dari RM45,700 Hingga RM58,800.

Dengan segala peningkatan yang ada pada Myvi 2022 ini, sebagai pembeli adakah anda rasa ia berbaloi dengan harga yang ditawarkan? Jika ya, silalah
tempah
 King 2022 ini sekarang!


Ford Ranger Promo – 5-Year Warranty Or Cash Rebates

A new promotional campaign has just been rolled out for the Ford Ranger. Dubbed the ‘Ford Truck Month’ campaign, customers who purchase the Ford Ranger are offered a choice from either a five-year warranty by local distributors Sime Darby Auto Connexion or cash rebates.
Valid until 30 September 2016, the offer is available at all Ford showrooms nationwide, but applicable only to 2.2 and 3.2 XLT variants of the Ranger. Before the said rebates, XLT variants of the Ranger are
priced as follows
 (OTR without insurance):
2.2 XLT M/T – RM104,618
2.2 XLT A/T – RM112,038
3.2 XLT M/T – RM114,158
3.2 XLT A/T – RM121,588
The promotion is, however, not applicable for the entry-level 2.2 XL and range-topping 3.2 Wildtrak variants.


2022 Subaru XV Launched In Malaysia, Now With EyeSight Active Safety

The newest versions of the popular Subaru XV have graced Malaysian shores, newly updated for the 2022 model year and boasting some significant upgrades over the outgoing revision, and wrapped up in a very familiar package.

Naturally,
the AWD crossover is now pricier
, starting at RM139,788 for the 2.0i-P EyeSight and scales up to RM146,788 for the range-topping 2.0i-P EyeSight GT Edition, with these prices factoring in the current SST exemption, to which the XV benefits thanks to its local assembly.

As the variant split would suggest, it’s available in a sole specification but boasting two trim levels with the latter receiving nicer, premium touches to justify its RM7,000 premium.

Make no mistake, this latest model - still called the Crosstrek in North America - is based on the second-generation XV underpinned
by the Subaru Global Platform
. Therefore, there are only minor cosmetic alterations for this annual update.

The big story here is the inclusion of
EyeSight for the first time
 and as standard fitment, Subaru’s umbrella term for their active safety and driver aid suite that’s headlined by Pre-Collision Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. However,
only the GT Edition
 receives the Superview all-round monitor.

EyeSight here utilises stereoscopic cameras to run continuous image recognition in order to detect and prevent collision with multiple types of road hazards. Of course, this pertains mostly to other vehicles but extends to pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicyclists.

Both variants receive a new front bumper and grille, but its actually the GT Edition that’s the most visual unchanged over the 2021 Subaru XV as the majority of the sportier exterior trim and wheels have been carried over with the exception of a revised front lip and new front bumper garnishes.

The 2.0i-P EyeSight, on the other hand, receives a new set of 17-inch wheels to set it apart from its older self. Inside, besides from the GT Edition’s perforated leather upholstery and other trim-specific additions, all XV’s now receive 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seats with memory function.

Also worth mentioning are the return of the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic LED headlights.

Mechanically, the 2022 Subaru XV is unchanged, utilising the company’s FB20 2.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-four petrol engine that outputs 156PS and 196Nm of torque, mated to the automaker’s Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

For 2022, Subaru have also added their Dual-Function X-Mode that offers specific Snow/Dirt/Mud settings to tackling off-road or challenging surfaces while SI-Drive gives drivers a choice between ‘Sport’ and ‘Intelligent’ driving modes that alters powertrain characteristics.

As before, each Subaru XV comes with a 5-year/100,000km warranty and is available in a choice of Crystal Black Silica, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl, Pure White, and Cool Grey Khaki.


Snatch thieves are impersonating p-hailing riders to get closer to targets

Thieves, scam artists and swindlers come in all shapes and forms these days, with the latest one disguising himself as a p-hailing rider where actually he was just a snatch thief preying on people walking on the road.

According to a report by The Star, this p-hailing snatch thief looked like a food delivery rider going about his daily errands, but that was only a front to carry out some mischief.

Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid said police were alerted about this man, after a member of a public lodged a report that his mobile phone was snatched while walking near Plaza 33 here on Feb 21.

Picture credit: The Star

“The 25-year-old victim said the suspect was riding a motorcycle with a food delivery bag,” he told reporters at the Petaling Jaya police headquarters recently.

“About two hours later, we arrested a 32-year-old man at Kampung Pantai Dalam in Kuala Lumpur and seized what is believed to be the stolen phone,” he said.

Abdul Hamid also said that the suspect confessed to being involved in the snatching incident that they had been pursuing. The suspect also confessed to selling stolen mobile phones to another accomplice who is now at large.

"Based on the information from the first suspect, the police made another raid and managed to arrest a 32-year-old local man in Kampung Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur.

"The investigation on the suspect led to the confiscation of an iPhone, suspected to belong to a victim."

The case is being investigated under Section 392 of the Penal Code and a review found that the first suspect has three previous records related to robbery and vehicle theft.


ASEAN NCAP – Zero Star For Renault Kwid, Two For MG3

The results of two car models tested by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) has just been announced, and the results are quite shocking.
In this quarter, the models that are tested, and are also exclusively available only in Thailand and India respectively, are the MG 3 and Renault Kwid.
The Renault Kwid, a Perodua Axia-sized hatchback made in India for the Indian domestic market scored a zero-star rating.
In the frontal impact assessment, the Kwid only scored 7.29 out of a possible 16. The crash test dummies registered shocking results, with the readings showed that both occupants sustained serious injuries to the chest in both frontal and side impact.
For comparison, the Perodua Axia tested in 2014 scored 12.91 out of 16 in the front impact assessment.
The Perodua Axia registered a much better protection for the head and chest.
As a result of the poor side and head impact protection (zero scores), the Kwid only managed a total of 10.12 out of a possible 36 in AOP category under the current 2017-2020 protocol.
With no advanced safety assists (even lacking the basic anti-lock braking system), the Kwid model’s total score is 24.68, earning it zero stars.
As for the MG 3, a B-segment hatchback that competes against the likes of Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, and Suzuki Swift performed so badly in the frontal impact assessment that it registered a zero score.
The crash test dummy at the driver's seat registered a reading that translated to a very poor protection for the head and considered to have sustained serious injury.
However, the MG 3 fared well in the side impact, scoring 14.09 out of a possible 16. The standard fitment of ABS and ESC also helped the MG 3 model’s overall score, totalling to 48.80, earning it a two star-rating.
Both vehicles were tested at MIROS PC3 laboratory that is located in Melaka.
click on image to enlarge
ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General, Ir. Dr Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim said, “We are truly disappointed to find that there are still cars out there that do not offer a high degree of safety levels to its occupants in the ASEAN region. What is more disappointing is that these cars are sold in countries that recorded one of the highest numbers of road fatalities; in which WHO published Thailand with 14,059 fatalities while Indonesia had 26,416 number of road fatalities,”
“Safer vehicle is one of the main pillars that can contribute to the betterment of road safety in this region. Therefore, we hope there will be positive co-operation from car manufacturers to significantly improve the safety performance of their cars in the future,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, with such large discrepancies between the ASEAN model’s results and other regions, Global NCAP Secretary-General, Mr David Ward has expressed his concerns.
“It’s very disturbing to see such a poor result for the Kwid. Renault has shown that they can make a much safer version in Latin America, so why not in South East Asia too? Different regions and double standards from Renault is deeply disappointing!”
Learn more about the ASEAN NCAP:
How world-standard crash tests are done in Melaka
New 2017 ASEAN NCAP rating system explained
Zero Stars for Kia Morning and Hyundai EON


2017 Toyota Agya Facelift Brochure Leaked!

In Indonesia, PT Toyota Astra Motor is set to launch the facelifted Toyota Agya. The Toyota Agya is the Indonesian donor car to our Perodua Axia.
The key highlight of the new update is the new 1.2-litre 3NR-FE four-cylinder petrol engine that currently powers the Toyota Cayla. Power figures are 80 PS and 104 Nm. The company will continue to offer the smaller 1.0-litre engine.

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 Visually, the Toyota Agya facelift is set to receive smoked projector headlights with LED guide lights and auto cut-off. The rear end of all updated Toyota Agya variants will receive LED light bar-type tail lights, which now extends into the rear tailgate. 1.2-litre models will also receive unique dual-tone 14-inch alloy wheels. Also new is the side mirrors with turn signal light.
PT Toyota Astra Motor is also offering a Toyota Agya TRD S as its flagship model, with sportier body kit all round, including body coloured side skirts.
Inside, 1.2-litre models will receive a new 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.
No word on when the company will debut the facelifted Toyota Agya, though we believe a debut at the 2017 Indonesian International Motor Show in April is ikely.
Photo credit:
Autonetmagz


BMW G42 2 Series Coupe Unveiled - Thank The Lord It's Still A RWD

The 2022 G42 2-Series is a pleasant surprise, as BMW has retained the car's RWD layout and sensible grille.

When BMW introduced the front wheel driven
2 Series Gran Coupe
 back in 2019, everyone thought that would be the end of the rear wheel driven 2-Series Coupe. We all figured BMW would embrace the FWD recipe for the 2 Series Gran Coupe and cook it on to the new 2 Series coupe.

So news of the 2022 2 Series retaining its RWD layout is music to our ears!

Unveiled recently, the 2022 2 Series Coupe not only retains its RWD layout but also manages to avoid the coffin-like grille found on its brother, the 4 Series, as it adopts a more traditional sihouette. The headlights also sport their own unique shape, as do the taillights at the back.

The front bumper has a lot of aggressive sharp angles, while the rear ones look to be near-identical to the previous generation. The inside is typically BMW of current times, with a cabin design that shares most of its layout with the 3 Series and 4 Series.

For now, the 2 Series will only be offered in two trims, a base 220i and a sportier M240i. As expected, the 220i comes standard with an RWD drivetrain, and the M240i will come with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The 220i is equipped with BMW's widely used 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, which has 184hp and 300Nm of torque, while M240i gets BMW's 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six making 382hp and a whopping 500Nm of torque. However, three-pedal fans will be upset to hear that the only choice of transmission is the ever-popular and used ZF eight-speed automatic.

The 220i can do 0-100km/h  in 7.5 seconds, while the xDrive-equipped M240i can get the job done in just 4.2 seconds. The top speed for both cars is electronically limited to 209km/h and 250km/h.

According to BMW, weight distribution is a perfect 50-50, thanks to the use of some lightweight aluminium at the fenders and the hood. They have also managed to increase its torsional rigidity by 12% over the outgoing model. In addition, the adaptive M suspension standard on the M240i means continuously adjustable damping for the best ride possible. The 2022 M240i also comes with an M Sport rear differential that can go from unlocked to lock quickly, depending on the situation.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe will be on sale at the beginning of 2022, and will be built at the BMW Group manufacturing plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. A more muscular
M2
 variant will be joining the line-up later on in the year.


30,000 Tempahan Bagi Alza 2022 Sudah Diterima - Rekod Dalam Sejarah Perodua!

Perodua telah menerima tempahan tertinggi dalam sejarahnya di mana lebih 30,000 tempahan telah diterima bagi model Alza 2022 sejak tempahannya dibuka pada 23 Jun 2022 lalu.

MPV 7-tempat duduk yang baru sahaja dilancarkan oleh Perodua itu menjadi sebahagian daripada penyumbang kepada 200,000 tempahan keseluruhan yang diterima oleh Perodua ketika ini.

Alza 2022 Terima lebih 30,000 Tempahan

Menurut Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perodua, Dato' Zainal Abidin Ahmad, kenaikan mendadak bilangan tempahan Alza yang diterima mereka adalah disebabkan oleh faktor:

Para pelanggan ingin memanfaatkan sepenuhnya inisiatif pengecualian cukai jualan SST yang akan tamat tempoh pada 30 Jun 2022

Daya tarikan nilai keseluruhan pakej Perodua Alza serba baharu memandangkan 15% daripada 200,000 tempahan merupakan bagi model Alza 2022. Daya tarikan meliputi

Ciri keselamatan yang dipertingkatkan

Ciri Bantuan Keselamatan Termaju

Tawaran digital yang dipertingkatkan

Ruang yang luas

Keselesaan pemanduan yang lebih baik

Hampir 4,000 Pelanggan Tukar Tempahan

Tidak dinafikan, Perodua Alza generasi pertama yang dijual sejak 2009 hingga 2022 masih lagi mendapat tempat di hati pengguna di Malaysia. Menurut Zainal, seramai hampir 4,000 pelanggan telah menukar tempahan Perodua Alza mereka kepada versi terkini walaupun ketika itu tempahannya belum dibuka secara rasmi.

Penghantaran Bermula

Zainal turut menjelaskan bahawa penghantaran Alza kepada pelanggan oleh 195 bilik pameran jualan sah Perodua di seluruh negara telah pun bermula sejurus selepas pelancaran MPV tersebut.

Syarikat pengeluar automotif tempatan itu turut memberi jaminan kepada para pelanggan yang menempah Perodua Alza 2022 mereka pada atau sebelum 30 Jun, mereka akan menerima kenderaan mereka sebelum tarikh akhir 31 Mac 2023,” kata Zainal.

Jika pelanggan tersebut menerima Alza mereka pada atau sebelum 31 Mac 2023, mereka bakal menikmati harga yang lebih rendah kerana layak untuk menerima inisiatif pengecualian cukai jualan.

Pembangunan Perodua Alza 2022

Mengenai pembangunan Perodua Alza serba baharu, Zainal berkata syarikat itu melabur RM770 juta untuk membangunkan model tersebut sejak April 2018. Selain itu, Zainal turut berkongsi bahawa 95% daripada komponen Perodua Alza 2022 ini dihasilkan di Malaysia sendiri.

Model tersebut dibangunkan bersama di menggunakan Platform Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) di mana pereka dan jurutera Malaysia bekerja dengan rakan sejawatan mereka di Daihatsu Motor Co., Jepun.

Ini merupakan model kedua keluaran Perodua yang dibina menggunakan platform tersebut selepas Perodua Ativa yang diperkenalkan pada Mac tahun lalu.

“Perkongsian ini membolehkan Perodua dan para pembekalnya bekerjasama dengan Daihatsu untuk mencapai skala ekonomi dan meningkatkan kos pembangunan model baharu, dan dalam kes ini, Perodua Alza serba baharu,” kata Dato’ Zainal.


Subaru Teases Production-Ready Ascent Ahead Of LA Auto Show

While Subaru has been talking about the Ascent as early as
April's New York International Auto Show
, thus far we have only been treated to photos of a concept. Subaru has just released a teaser photo confirming that the production-ready Ascent will be making its debut at the upcoming LA Auto Show on November 28th.
For those not in the know, the Subaru Ascent is a 7-seater SUV- which will be based on the Subaru Global Platform that underpins the Impreza and XV. It's a properly big SUV for the brand, and an interesting segment for it to go into given that it has been primarily known for wagons and road-going rally cars.
If Subaru stays true to its word, the Ascent will receing a turbocharged direct-injection boxer engine, although capacities are still unknown. It's not likely that the FA20T turbocharged 2.0-litre flat four from the Subaru Forester and WRX would be the engine of choice, as apparently it is a new engine that will be powering the Ascent.
Based on images that we've seen, it will be a 2 + 2 + 3 configuration, with 3 seats in the third row- something a little more difficult in practice given limitations on exterior width and overall dimensions. Still though, if Subaru manages to pull it off it will certainly be an interesting new contender.


BMW Premium Selection - Putting The Premium In Your Selection

If you’re looking to step into the world of BMW ownership, then you would be remiss to not check out the offerings from BMW’s Premium Selection in the comfort of a BMW showroom.

Buying a vehicle from BMW’s Premium Selection is an experience, and it’s an experience that starts from the moment you step into a BMW showroom. From being greeted at the door, to the vast selection of models gleaming in front of you to the hospitality that is offered.

But why BMW Premium Selection and not other used car dealers?

We break it down for you:

1. Test and select at a BMW Showroom

It doesn’t matter that you are at a BMW Showroom to view or test a BMW Premium Selection option. BMW makes no distinction between a Premium Selection or a new BMW. As such you are afforded the same hospitality and prestige of testing and selecting your desired BMW from the comfort of a BMW showroom. Have a cuppa while you’re at it.

2. 1-year warranty

There is a minimum 1-year warranty for all certified BMW Premium Selection vehicles, which also comes with a 360-degree technical and optical check. We can’t remember the last time a used car dealer ever offered that. Can you?

3. Forget OEM, BMW only does Original

You can rest assured that when you purchase a BMW Premium Selection vehicle that you are getting a vehicle that will come with only ORIGINAL BMW parts. You’re also guaranteed a vehicle service history that will keep you informed on what’s been done on your vehicle together with upcoming service intervals.

4. 100% transparency

When dealing with BMW’s Premium Selection you are safe in the knowledge that transparency is at the forefront of any deal you might or might not make. Promises will be delivered, leaving no room for uncertainty or doubt.

5. Competitive trade-in prices

If you’re looking to up-trade your car to a BMW Premium Selection then get your current vehicle appraised and valued by BMW’s trained technicians. BMW Premium Selection even accepts non BMW vehicles. Get all your dealings done in one place, isn’t that just so much more convenient!

6. Attractive interest rates

With BMW Credit, you get to enjoy interest rates from as low as 2.57% for a 3 to 5-year loan on a BMW Premium Selection or used car. Again, it’s all under one umbrella!

In essence, all you have to do is roll up to a BMW showroom or check out BMW’s Premium Selection online
here
, then test and select your BMW Premium Selection vehicle, get your current vehicle appraised by BMW, get your loan through BMW Credit and you’re off driving your new BMW!

So, are you ready to BMW?


Perodua Mahu Jual Kereta Elektrik/Hibrid Pada Harga Mampu Milik

Menerusi pelan perniagaan Perodua bagi tahun 2022, syarikat itu kini sedang giat dalam melakukan kajian dan pembangunan kenderaan elektrik, termasuklah kenderaan hibrid.

Untuk tahun ini, Perodua akan membuat pelaburan tertinggi dalam sejarahnya iaitu sebanyak 1.3 Bilion untuk pengenalan model kereta baharu, peningkatan untuk kemudahan ujian, kilang pembuatan, pusat R&D dan beberapa inisiatif digital lain yang membantu kepada
pembangunan kereta hibrid dan EV.

Perkara tersebut disahkan sendiri oleh Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perodua, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad yang berkata sejumlah besar dana telah diperuntukkan khas bagi projek elektrifikasi. Pembinaan
kenderaan elektrik
 memang ada dalam pelan jangka masa panjang mereka, namun buat masa ini, mereka hanya fokus untuk membangunkan kenderaan berteknologi hibrid.

Meskipun tidak mahu ketinggalan menuju elektrifikasi, Perodua tidak boleh terburu-buru sebelum mengeluarkan kenderaan elektrik mereka tersendiri. Ini bagi menjaga servis selepas pembelian mereka bagi memastikan bekalan
alat ganti
 sentiasa mencukupi dan tidak menyusahkan pengguna.

Menurut Zainal, Perodua bukan sekadar ingin menghasilkan kenderaan elektrik seperti pengeluar lain, tetapi mereka mahu memastikan kenderaan elektrik atau hibrid yang dijual oleh syarikat berkenaan adalah pada harga
mampu milik
, bersesuaian dengan profil pelanggan mereka.

Dengan harga mampu milik, lebih ramai rakyat Malaysia tanpa mengira status dapat menikmati kelebihan teknologi terkini. Susulan itu, Perodua menyatakan hasrat untuk menjalinkan kerjasama bersama syarikat tempatan lain dalam membangunkan industri automotif, terutama dalam menuju ke arah kenderaan elektrik.

Walau bagaimanapun, Perodua tidak menyebut sebarang info lanjut mengenai model hibrid yang bakal dilancarkan kelak. Namun jangkaan dapat dibuat bahawa ianya merupakan Perodua Ativa Hibrid.

Sebelum ini, syarikat itu juga telah mengesahkan bahawa Daihatsu Rocky Hibrid yang dilihat sedang diuji di sekitar Kuala Lumpur pada tahun lalu memang merupakan kepunyaan Perodua. Ujian model tersebut dijalankan bagi tujuan penilaian dan kajian sebelum ia ditawarkan di pasaran tempatan nanti.

Persoalannya, bilakah Ativa Hibrid ini bakal dilancarkan? Mengikut pasaran Indonesia, Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid (kembar Ativa versi hibrid) dijangka akan dilancarkan pada akhir tahun ini. Jadi jangkaan boleh dibuat bahawa Perodua hanya bakal melancarkan model hibrid pertamanya di pasaran Malaysia seawal tahun 2023.


The Porsche Cayman GT4 Embodies What The GT3 Is To The 911

If you want a hard-core version of the
Porsche
 911, the GT3 is available to you. However, what if you wanted a hard-core
Cayman
, where do you go to? Well good news, because Porsche has introduced a new member into the Cayman family with the GT4.
So what’s so exciting about this sports car featuring components of its larger sibling, the 911 GT3?
Powertrain
A mid-engine 3.8-litre flat-six engine derived from the 911 Carrera S provides 385 hp, which is then sent solely through a six-speed manual transmission (exciting). Said engine is larger than the Cayman GTS’ 3.4-litre unit and produces 45 hp more as well. The century sprint is dealt with in just 4.2 seconds, and at full chops, the GT4 well max out at 295 km/h.
Exterior
The Porsche
Cayman
 GT4 features three pronounced inlet openings at the front and borrowing a cue from the
911
 GT3, a large fixed rear wing form the aerodynamic package on the car, designed for downforce.
A 30 mm lower ride height is also in place along with newly designed wheels that house the adopted large-sized brake system. As an added option, you can tag on Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system for added performance.
Interior
Inside, you’ll find standard sport seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara but for a little extra, full bucket seats made of a carbon fibre composite material replaces them. A new sport steering wheel can also be seen. Track junkies are also able to select the Sport Chrono Package featuring a Track Precision app.

The
Porsche
 Cayman GT4 will make its world premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March.


Chinese Cars Are Gorgeous Now - Concept And Reality

Just half a decade or so ago, Chinese cars weren't all too impressive. They suffered from ergonomics issues, tacky design, and all kinds of dealbreakers that made them unappealing. But look at them now...

If you'd told me back in 2015 that the
Chinese
 would be making cars which would easily rival the Europeans - both in terms of mechanical engineering and design - I would probably have thought you were on mind-altering substances. But I would also have ended up eating my words, because these last few years have seen China accelerating aggressively in terms of their automotive industry, and we aren't just talking about
Geely
.

2020 hasn't been a great year for any company, but the Chinese still went ahead to push models to market and to show off what they can do with some, quite frankly, pretty incredible looking cars. In this quick list, we've got everything from a regular sedan, to a coupe concept that looks like it could go toe-to-toe with something out of Porsche. It's almost as if the Chinese got tired of playing catch up and decided to jump ahead of the pack, and these are the results.

Changan Eado Plus

It may just be a simple front-wheel drive sedan, but you can't deny that the Eado is an impressive looking vehicle. The powertrain options are nothing revolutionary for this second generation facelifted model - a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 127 hp, and a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine with 157 hp. Transmission options range from 5-speed manuals to 6-speed manuals, and even a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

What's more impressive is the interior of this car, which has an arguably budget version of the dual-screen setup you find in luxury cars of this day and age. The screens may be smaller, the resolution may not be quite as crisp, but it is undoubtedly a fantastic proposition as an entry point to car ownership.

Bestune B70

In what may seem like a dying segment, it's always refreshing to see manufacturers come up with something new and enticing. The B70 from Bestune represents that, not only with its liftback rear boot but an entirely new platform that allows for modular architecture. This sporty looking sedan is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol unit pushing 171 PS and comes in both automatic and manual flavours.

What's surprising about the B70 is that many elements seem to feel right out of the European playbook, with dual knob and touch screen climate controls, retractable door handles, and a dual-screen front setup for both instrumentation and infotainment. You can't deny that the B70 is a stunning machine, whether you're observing from the outside or enjoying the interior.

Changan Uni-T

One of the more recently launched vehicles is this mid-sized SUV that packs level 3 autonomous driving technology.  You could get one of these fully kitted out for just over RM 90,000 - that is, if you lived in China. A singular engine variant has been made available with 1.5-litre of displacement and a turbocharger helping to push 180 hp and 300 Nm of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending power to either the front wheels or all four wheels depending on trim.

To achieve that autonomous driving, the Uni-T comes with a sensor suite that could rival an American AWACS plane - six cameras, twelve ultrasonic radar sensors, and five millimetre-wave radar sensors all help to give the car a better picture of its surroundings. But even beyond the technology geek-fest, the Uni-T is a handsome looking car with an equally amazing interior to boot.

Great Wall Futurist Concept

One of the oddities on our list is this throwback to the past by Great Wall - yes, the company known for producing the Haval H1 compact SUV.  This concept looks very retro in its design, but it could very much become a reality and it may be fully electric to boot.  The car itself was designed by an ex-Land Rover designer, and if the all-electric powertrain matches that of other Great Wall options, the Futurist would be able to travel up to 700 kilometres on a single charge.

Why is the Futurist concept so important? It shows that the Chinese have gotten to the phase where they can not only look ahead at building cars for the future, but they are also in a strong enough position to build a respectable homage to classic automobiles. For companies that don't have much of a heritage or a pedigree, they are paying their dues and proving to the world that they truly love designing and building great cars.

GAC Enpulse Concept

We're as confused as you - because GAC unveiling the Enpulse concept is like Perodua showing off a two-seater sports coupe. GAC is better known for their Trumpchi marque and its compact SUVs, but the Enpulse is an entirely different direction for the Chinese automaker. No technical or mechanical details are known other than the fact that this stunning looking machine is supposed to be an electric car.

Again, the very existence of the Enpulse speaks to the fact that the Chinese market has grown and evolved a great deal, so much so that an SUV manufacturer is willing to diversify and invest in better R&D and design, for a better looking product that's appealing not just locally but globally. It speaks of a sense of maturity and self consciousness, and the Enpulse is the perfect way to send that message home.

If only the had better naming conventions...


Cool Premium Features To Try When You Test Drive A Volkswagen

Volkswagen vehicles are loaded with technology, offering performance and features that match, sometimes even surpass, that of supposedly premium cars.
Already, Volkswagen cars are known for their superior performance and economy made possible by the technological advancement of their TSI engines and DSG transmissions, but are there more to these cars than just being very nice to drive?
Well, it turns out that there are a number of features in Volkswagen cars that also happen to make them rather nice to live with, and here are some of them that you may want to experience the next time you have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Volkswagen.
Active Info Display
The future of instrument clusters, Volkswagen’s Active Info Display transforms your old school meter panel into a large screen which visually impresses with crisp images and vibrant colours. The display mimics the appearance of a conventional instrument cluster in normal driving, but is able to adjust itself to show a variety of information in various interactive manners.
Available in:
Passat 2.0 TSI, Tiguan 1.4 TSI Highline
Park Assist 3.0
The latest refinement of Volkswagen’s Park Assist technology is now able to self-park your car in three possible arrangements – parallel, reverse-in perpendicular, and forward-in perpendicular.
Available in:
 Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline, Passat 2.0 TSI Highline, Tiguan 1.4 TSI Highline
‘Easy Open’ Rear Boot
Imagine walking to your car with both hands full with your groceries; or that your boot latch is simply too dirty to touch with your bare hands. The ‘Easy Open’ system allows you to pop the boot open with just a kick of your leg without needing you to touch any part of the car.
Available in:
 Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline, Passat 2.0 TSI Highline
Triple-Zone Climatronic
Rear air-con vents are a must have in our climate, but Volkswagen’s triple-zone Climatronic system goes one step further by providing rear passengers their own freedom to control the temperature at their part of the cabin. On long distance journeys, this ensures everyone on board is able to travel in maximum comfort in their own preferred climate setting
Available in:
Passat, Tiguan 1.4 TSI Highline
App-Connect Infotainment
App-Connect projects selected apps from your smartphone on the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen using MirrorLink, Android Auto, or Apple CarPlay. The system is valued at RM1,099 but can be added for just RM699 in the Tiguan 1.4 TSI Highline and complimentary on the Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline and Comfortline Plus variants. It is standard in the Passat 2.0 TSI Highline.
All of the above features can be experienced first hand when you test drive a Passat or Tiguan at your nearest Volkswagen outlet today.
Better still, try them out at the upcoming
Carlist.my DRIVE: Luxury Edition 2017
 event happening on 4-5 Nov at TPC Kuala Lumpur where you can test drive the Passat and Tiguan back-to-back against luxury models from Jaguar Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo.
As a special offer, the Tiguan can be upgraded with the following accessories packages:
Chrome kit (RM986) – Exhaust trim, scuff plates, chrome strips, pedal caps
Leisure kit (RM1,426) – Boot inlay, roof rack, bicycle holder
Volkswagen is additionally offering RM5,000 in savings for the Tiguan booked before 31 October 2017, whilst all variants of the Passat is part of Volkswagen’s Sedanza promotion offering 5-year free maintenance, interest rates as low as 0.88%, and rebates up to RM15,000.
Book your test drive at
Carlist.my DRIVE
: Luxury Edition 2017
 today and stand a chance to win high-end detailing packages worth RM18,000.


Over 163,000 MotoGP fans attended the Sepang round

The
MotoGP Sepang round
 finally made its return in 2022 after three years and the turnout was actually very decent.

Despite all the things that are currently happening (and have happened) in the country from COVID-19, natural disasters like flashfloods, and preparations for the next general election, the
2022 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia
 manage to attract over 163,000 fans from around the world - 163,567 to be exact. Hats off to them.

*Image credit: MotoGP

Over 88,000 attended Sunday's race day

The three-day weekend started a bit slow on Friday as predicted with 21,015 race fans flocking the Sepang International Circuit to witness the practice sessions as well as explore the vast mall area with brands on display like
Petronas
, Givi,
Yamaha
, Honda,
Kawasaki
, and more.

Saturday saw a more promising figure of 53,937 attendees which showed a good sign despite the less-than-desired ticket sales just a few months back. Sunday closed off with a very respectable 88,615 fans who positioned themselves around the circuit to support their favourite teams and riders.

*Image credit: MotoGP

MotoGP Sepang 2022 not far off from 2018's record

When you compare the 163,657 figure of the 2022 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia with the MotoGP Sepang round and its record-breaking 169,827 attendees, it shows that the MotoGP scene is still very strong despite the
post-Valentino Rossi era
.

There's also the fact that we've missed the MotoGP races in the past three years, so fans were eager to get their two-wheel motorsports fixed sooner than later. And what a show they received - a win by
Ducati'
s Francesco Bagnaia and his future teammate, Enea Bastianini? What a nail-biter!

*Image credit: Asia Talent Cup

And our very own Hakim Danish winning the Asia Talent Cup Race 2? It was truly a wonderful weekend to hear the national anthem being played with a Malaysian rider on the highest podium spot.


The Young, Avid Motorcyclist Who Designed Honda's Sports EV Concept

When every show stage of nearly every major car maker at every major motor show is peddling similar looking electric powered self-driving lounge on wheels concept cars, as a car enthusiasts you can’t be very excited about the future. So when we saw the Honda’s Sports EV Concept at the recently concluded 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda’s matte white electric-powered two-seater concept car stood out as an inspiration to us that there are still some passionate people working in this industry.
The low slung, short tail and long front two-seater looks like a retro sports car designed for the future. It’s odd to describe the a futuristic concept sports car as retro, but the proportions of the Sports EV Concept reminded us of the classic Toyota 2000 GT, albeit one that will blend in nicely in a sci-fi movie.
At the recent 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Carlist.my had the chance to borrow a few minutes of Makoto Harada’s time, the creative brain behind Honda’s latest concept car.
Growing up in the city of Fukuroi, Harada lived just 30 km away from Hamamatsu, home to Yamaha and Suzuki. With such legendary names serving as neighbours, it is inevitable that Harada developed a deep passion for motorcycling. Interestingly, Hamamatsu is also the birthplace of the late Soichiro Honda, itself another legend not just in motorcycles, but also cars (and now jet airplanes and robotics).
After getting his motorcycle license at 16, Harada spent most of his youth riding around the surrounding roads of Hamamatsu.
“Riding a motorcycle is just something that I do very naturally,” said the boyish, lean built 34-year old Harada.
And yes, some of his motorcycles include Hondas. Of course at some point he started driving as well, but his benchmark for a fun to drive car is always one that is able to replicate the one-ness between car and driver, something that all avid motorcyclists understands when they ride.
When he is not racing motorcycles at the local track, Harada spends most of his time sketching and conceptualizing the next generation of Honda cars at Honda’s R&D Centre in Wako.
Harada’s was appointed to be the Project Leader for the Sports EV Concept when his proposal for a compact electric-powered sports car was selected out of numerous submissions received by Honda in an internal competition.
Naturally, his passion for motorcycling was a strong influence in designing the Sports EV Concept.
“I like the feeling of unity. The feeling that there is no boundary between me and the motorcycle, being one with the machine. That’s why motorcycles and cars fascinate me. So in that sense, I was trying to achieve that – compact size, with a nice stance to it, flared fenders and stuffs like that to achieve that kind of visual performance. That’s the message that I want to put behind this car.”
When asked about his favourite car, Harada didn’t have a specific model that he lusts after, but says he prefers sports cars with ‘condensed proportions.
“Doesn’t have to be big or small, but condensed, with good drivability,” he said.
In his seven-year career with Honda, Harada was worked on several design concepts but the Sports EV Concept is his first publically displayed work.
When asked about production plans and drivetrain layout for the Sports EV Concept, Harada did not confirm if it’s planned as a front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle, but confirmed that the car is based on the
Urban EV Concept
, itself an electric-powered hatchback with an unknown drivetrain layout.
The Urban EV Concept has already been confirmed for production in 2019 for European markets, and 2020 for Japan.
Honda remains tight lipped about the Sports EV Concept’s prospects as a production vehicle, but at a separate press event at the company’s headquarters in Aoyama, Tokyo, Honda’s President and CEO Takahiro Hachigo told the assembled Malaysian press that the challenge is not building a sports car, but finding enough buyers to support the project.
“As a former engineer in research and development, I personally know that that there are quite a few sports cars lovers at our R&D department. So, in terms of manpower, we are capable of going ahead with development immediately, but though it’s possible for us to devote effort into sports cars, the big question is, will they sell?” he said.
In other words, the ball is in the court of you enthusiasts. Hachigo said, “I personally love sports cars, so I hope we can develop sports cars in different ways, somehow.”
The market for affordable sports car is very small. These days, the sports car market is heavily concentrated only in the upper-end spectrum of the market. The Ferraris, Porsches, McLarens, Bugattis.
Affordable sports like the Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5 are developed purely out of charity, because the leaders behind those companies believe in keeping the joy of driving alive, but it is unclear how long can they continue their charity work.
Toyota hardly makes any money on the 86 and the model’s future is in question. Mazda sells just slightly over 30,000 units of MX-5 globally each year. To give you some perspective, Perodua sells more than twice as many Myvis annually in a small market like Malaysia alone. How Mazda managed to make any money out of the MX-5 is a mystery to every accountant.
Enthusiasts want simple, affordable sports cars but when someone makes actually makes such a car, not enough of them buy it.
Most prefer a cheaper, used ‘80s or ‘90s era performance car instead, or would simply buy a higher performance variant of a standard hatchback or sedan, rather than a proper two-seater sports car.
Also, because of increased cost pressure, emissions and safety regulations, no car company can build the sports cars the same way as they used to in the ‘80s and ‘90s anymore.
Most enthusiasts now settle for performance versions of standard cars – the BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi RS models - but because most of them (apart from Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT) are regular cars with bigger engines and race-tuned chassis rather than proper sports cars. Thus there will still be an inevitable compromise when it comes to delivering pure, unadulterated sports car driving experience.
The era of the Honda S2000 might have been long past and gone, but we are pinning our hopes that maybe, just maybe, that enough people will understand that spending money on an affordable sports car that you can keep for the rest of your life is a much better way to spend money than flying off every year to faraway locations so you can return home to your normal, boring routine and look at the selfies that you took.
Maybe then Honda will put the Sports EV Concept into production, and Harada will have the green light from his bosses to design an even better, cleaner sports car.


Volvo Envisions A Future Where The 360c Will Send You Across Great Distances Autonomously

Did you know that up until the 1990s, in the wake of terrorism and growing unrest in the Middle East and the Sinai Peninsula, there were rally events that ran from London to Sydney? We all know about the Paris-Dakar Rally, which is no longer held on the same continent due to security risks, but there was once a time when people were willing to take roadtrips that would be unbeatable or illogical in this day and age.
But Volvo envisions a future where we return to this tradition, albeit for shorter distances and in a non-competitive fashion. As China seeks to build their global highway network that will allow you to literally drive around the world, the idea of a globe-spanning roadtrip sounds a little more feasible. But what if it could be done autonomously? Would we still need to spend copious amounts of money on flights from place to place? Volvo's 360c concept is their vision of a door-to-door vehicle, fully integrated with its surroundings and offering total autonomous operation.
A couple of years ago this was the rage - manufacturers were developing self-driving concepts that would effectively take the driver out of the equation. But these concepts usually didn't have a solid context or application, and Volvo sees the 360c as a way to evade pesky queues at the airport and invasive security checks. The 360c is a fully autonomous, fully electric car that doesn't even have room for a driver. It's a moving pod a-la Minority Report, and Volvo foresees four different arrangements.
For the long-haul commuter or traveller, there's the sleeping configuration where the entire vehicle functions as a moving bed. For those on the go who need to be connected all the time, there's the mobile office configuration. The living room space presents a seamless transition between the living room in your house and one on the move, allowing you to step from your home to your destination with hardly a break in mood. And then there's the entertainment space, which is essentially a smaller party bus.
While these applications work within the context of a one to two hour commute, it's a bit of a stretch to regard it as an alternative to short-haul flights. Well, that is unless you've actually attempted a car-versus-plane race, and from what we've seen it comes to almost the same amount of time once you factor in check-in times, security checks, waiting for the flight, baggage claims, and so on and so forth. For a flight from say, Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, you could very well crawl out of bed at 5 am, hop into your 360c, and be at the Singaporean immigration by sunrise - without the hassle of airports.
And like most autonomous concepts, the 360c is also one that aims at full integration with that sneaky Volvo twist - they're bringing family time into the picture. Where other luxury brands have focused more on the luxury aspect of it, Volvo is trying to regain lost family time that you would spend on the move, and it's definitely a different approach than what we're used to seeing for autonomous concepts.
While it may never actually go into production, the study paves the way for advances in travel, city planning, infrastructure, and environmental footprints. It may be an autonomous car, but it's the Volvo of autonomous cars.


MCO: Photo/Video Recording Prohibited At Roadblocks

As you would expect, part of MCO phase 2 means tighter enforcement on a number of fronts. This is perhaps most prominently represented by the various roadblocks and road closures the police have set up throughout most of Klang Valley.

And if you happen to be whiling the time away in such a roadblock on the way to or from buying some household or medical essentials, it would be a good idea to keep your phone pocketed.

Police will have their guard up for individuals who take pictures or shoot video at roadblock locations, particularly of the officers manning them as this would count as interfering with official duties.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said that those taking photos or video could cause negative perception on social media, according to
Bernama
, adding that the behaviour was irresponsible and contravened the movement control order.

“The police are carrying out a noble mission with the objective of breaking the COVID-19 infection chain to save the people,” he told the press at Bukit Aman. “Individuals who do that (record and take photographs with the intention of casting a bad image on the police) are strongly reminded that there are many parties who are keeping their eye on you and waiting to arrest you,”

The IGP also added that road users need only consider going onto the roads when the reason is justified, pointing out that those who make up excuses would be guilty of an offence, doubly so if they are found to be recording the exchange with police.

“If they have gone out to purchase goods, it is not a problem, but if they purposely go out to record the roadblocks, then it is an offence because the police who are performing their duties are not there to be filmed or are on show.”

Because police officers are stationed at roadblocks, they stand a higher risk of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Consequently, all personnel are required to wear face masks and disposable gloves as well as use hand sanitisers often. Officers are also not allowed to stand close to a vehicle much less touch it when they stop a car for questioning.

Let’s make their lives easier and possibly expedite this period of restricted movement by doing all we can to adhere to the MCO’s guidelines. We’ve already made it through three weeks - almost - and, as a nation, we’re behaving with civility and discipline through these challenging times. No reason to let the ourselves down now.

After all, the newly imposed 10km radius limit (an addressed utilities bill or other documentation would come in handy) and the 1 person per car rule does mean you’d most likely be driving alone, so why exacerbate the situation by having your phone out while in the driver’s seat?


Which Is Better: FWD or RWD?

This is such an incredibly loaded question with examples on both sides of the aisle, but we’ll try our best to break down the advantages of either.

Historically, having an engine driving the rear wheels was the layout of choice for many car manufacturers – at least until the mid to late 1980s. Everything from the Toyota Corolla to the BMW E21 was RWD, although all of that changed for a variety of reasons as the market evolved.

For one, designing and building a front-wheel drive (FWD) car has always been a more cost effective and economical solution. An FWD car is less expensive to produce as it has fewer moving components, which in turn also means less parasitic losses which help to improve the overall performance at the tyre as well as fuel economy.

The other major reason FWD has become extremely common as a layout is the simple truth that it is a better idea for packaging when it comes to freeing up leg space and providing a larger interior without compromising the overall length or size of the car. With an FWD, you don’t need a centre tunnel to accommodate the propshaft to the rear, and similarly the engine can be placed quite tightly against the firewall which in turn shortens the overall length.

A lot of purists will look down on FWD vehicles as there is this strong opinion that an FWD car cannot handle well, but let’s examine whether this is really the case. In this day and age, very few vehicles are RWD because the market is fairly small. It’s even telling of the times when BMW, a company that once argued against the idea, has a range of FWD cars in their current line-up.

RWD has the obvious advantage of being able to split the duties of acceleration and steering. With an RWD, the rear wheels are solely used to propel the car forward or through a corner, while the front wheels are only tasked with steering the vehicle. With an FWD, those duties are combined and in turn has the potential to run out of grip more readily.

And yet, there are so many examples of amazing FWD vehicles. The classic Mini is a good example, being compact in overall dimensions but still being able to fit a family of four – and more importantly, on the world stage with various winners over time. Any French hot hatchback is also FWD, including such stellar examples as the Peugeot 106 Rallye to the Renault Megane RS 265. All of these cars handle exceptionally well through a combination of solid engineering and an understanding of the subject at hand.

The only problem is that as much as the market is being convinced that FWD cars are perfectly fine, once in a while an RWD model will make it through the bean counters in accounting and actually head onwards to production. The Toyota GT86 is one of the best examples of this, being the first revival for the brand since all of their models fast became champions of the FWD layout.

There’s also the fact that an RWD vehicle is a source of joy for those willing to be a little more adventurous. Drifting can be exclusively done with a RWD vehicle, meaning that if you were to opt for an FWD you will be giving up a lot of the fun of car ownership. As awesome as some of these FWD vehicles are, there is still nothing quite like managing an RWD car on the limit based purely on balance and precision.

So while FWD is the better layout for the mass market, RWD still has a couple of unique aspects that ultimately makes it a better choice for higher performance vehicles and race-cars. But it’s always important to remember that the drivetrain layout doesn’t always matter and if you’re the kind of person who truly enjoys driving, you’ll find the fun in a car regardless of which end the driven wheels are at.


3rd-Gen Honda HR-V Spotted In KL. Launching Soon With VTEC Turbo, e:HEV?

We already know that
the all-new HR-V
 will be launching in 2022 with Honda Malaysia themselves seemingly confirming its arrival at a recent media relations event. However, we didn’t know just how soon that would be. Now we kinda do.

This is the first time
the 3rd-generation HR-V
 has been spotted on Malaysian soil, and here the highly camouflaged (conspicuous much?) unit was seen in broad daylight by many in typical Kuala Lumpur traffic as it journeyed between what looks like Cheras and the Sungai Besi highway. Almost seems intentional...

Shortly after, photos and video emerged on social media, specifically from the
Proton X50 Community
 group page, posted by user
Mohd Asrul B Saari
.

With presumably multiple (test) units of the all-new HR-V rolling around our roads, that’s decent indication that Honda is at least contemplating a launch within the next few months when the public expectation was set much more conservatively for later in 2022.

The reason for this is the expected possible complications surrounding the component acquisition and supply of its powertrain in addition to the car's supposed CKD status from launch. For other markets such as Thailand, this is exclusively
Honda’s i-MMD e:HEV hybrid drive
.

It is essentially the same powerplant that features in City RS and
City Hatchback RS e:HEV
 and in the HR-V is expected to share identical outputs 105PS and 253Nm from its electric traction motor.

However, it’s also expected that the bulk of the all-new HR-V’s variants in Malaysia will be powered by the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo, invariably paired to a CVT to drive the front wheels. In this configuration, it could match the 182PS and 240Nm
found in the 11th-gen Civic
.

This would be mirroring how the all-new HR-V is sold in Singapore where a choice is given to the buyer between hybrid or petrol-only.

Its predecessor, the
outgoing second-generation HR-V
 (also called the Vezel in some markets) has been one of Honda’s most consistently successful models and in Malaysia had dominated the B-segment SUV market for many years before more recent competitors started to challenge its reign.

Still, despite showing its age, it does still manage to put up a good fight against younger, hungrier rivals as we’ve shown in our four-way B-segment SUV shootout video series.


Your Son’s Favourite Cartoon Is Back Again – Cars 3, 2017

There is something special about Pixar’s Cars. It has something for everybody, for every age group, doesn’t matter if you are a car enthusiast or not.
The first installment was released in 2006, and car guys immediately picked up many of the ‘easter eggs’ and obvious overtones referring to various chapters of car culture. Each character’s personality mirrors closely to the actual car the character is modelled after.
Radiator Springs, the fictional location in the cartoon, isn’t quite as fictional as one would think, as it’s closely modelled against actual locations located along Route 66, a very famous driving route that’s now been removed US Highway System, for reasons accurately explained in the cartoon.
Clearly the people who were behind this animation were not just good at animation, but also knew their car history and car culture very well.
Today, Disney-Pixar has just released a 50 second trailer for the third installment of Cars. Not much is revealed but the trailer did hint towards a new car/character, probably a nemesis of McQueen.
For a few seconds, the trailer focused on a car that sounded very much like one of those Le Mans LMP type diesel-electric or petrol-electric hybrid race cars, slipping through the field of NASCAR-like cars before panning towards Lightning McQueen, who suffered a tyre blow out that sent him crashing through the safety barrier. As McQueen flips through the air, sharp-eyed viewers will notice how accurately McQueen's underbody is illustrated - including separated tyre sidewalls, chassis bracing and fuel tank. As before, the artists animating this clearly know their cars very well.


Guangzhou 2018: Toyota Debuts All-New Corolla Sedan

Toyota has just lifted the covers off the all-new twelfth-generation Corolla sedan at the ongoing 2018 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition.
For the Chinese market, Toyota and its partners, Tianjian FAW Toyota Motor and GAC Toyota Motor will be selling two versions of the new sedan concurrently – Corolla will be sold by FAW Toyota while Levin will be sold by GAC Toyota.
The company will be introducing the all-new Corolla sedan to more than 150 countries globally, which includes the Sporty model (sold in North America, China (Levin), Japan, and other countries) and the Prestige model (sold in China (Corolla), Europe, and other countries).
Depending on the market it is sold in, the all-new Corolla sedan can be had with a range of engines, including a new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine. Some markets including North America will also receive the previous generation’s 1.8-litre 2ZR-FAE engines on selected variants of the all-new Corolla sedan.
Toyota will also be offering hybrid variants of the all-new Corolla sedan, which will go on sale in more than 90 countries globally.
Similar to the Corolla Sport and Corolla Touring Sports, the all-new Corolla is built on the GA-C platform, with MacPherson struts up front and a multilink rear set up, replacing the previous generation’s rear torsion beam configuration.
In terms of dimensions, the all-new Corolla sedan comes in with a length of 4,640 mm, width of 1,780 mm, height of 1,435 mm, and a 2,700 mm wheelbase. These numbers are specific to the show cars currently on display at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition.
Yoshiki Konishi, chief engineer of development said, "We have striven to design new models that are eye-catching, and fun to both ride in, and drive. By enhancing not just the fun factors that are unique to cars, but "connectivity" functions to create new value, I wanted to make this new model a car that enriches mobility for customers around the world. I believe the Corolla series, with its millions of customers around the world, is a key touchstone model for gauging the success of Toyota's "making ever-better cars" philosophy carried out through TNGA. I am confident that customers will see that Toyota's car-making has changed significantly."
Similar to the Japan market Corolla Sport, the China market Corolla sedan will also come, as standard, with the built-in Data Communication Module (DCM), a core component of Toyota Connected.
Sales of the all-new Corolla sedan is expected to start in North America and Europe in spring 2019. Toyota is also expected to commence the sales of both the Corolla and Levin in China after mid-2019. As for Japan, Toyota will start selling the sedan and wagon models within 2019.


2016 Subaru Forester CKD production begins

It is official - Fuji Heavy Industries and TC Subaru Sdn.Bhd (TCS) have started the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production of the Subaru Forester at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant (TCMA) in Segambut.
Expected to be launched in the second quarter of this year, the CKD Forester now features a slightly tweaked front fascia which includes a new grille, new bumper, and daytime running lights (DRL). Besides that, the SUV also comes with set of revised tail lights and new wheels.
Inside the cabin, the Forester CKD will feature more leather, a new instrument panel with coloured LCD screen, SD navigation system, and memory function for the driver’s powered seat.
The Forester is Subaru’s second model to be assembled locally, following the
Subaru XV crossover
 that has been produced there since December 2012. TCS announced that it plans to assemble approximately 10,000 units of the Forester annually.
Upon launching, the CKD Forester is expected to be offered in two trim levels – 2.0i and 2.0P, powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine capable of producing 150hp and 198Nm of torque. We expect the engine to be paired with a Lineartronic CVT gearbox.
To celebrate the production start, a line-off ceremony was held at the TCMA plant, attended by TCS Executive Director Reza Mutalib, FHI Deputy President Jun Kondo, and other guests.
At the line-off ceremony, FHI Deputy President Jun Kondo said that FHI will continue to work hand in hand with Tan Chong International to further enhance Subaru sales in the ASEAN region.
Looking for a Subaru? Find one now at
Carlist.my


Best Father's Day Dream Cars (By Carlist Daddies)

Father's Day
 2022 is here and if you ask almost everyone, there's bound to be loads of stories related to cars. From great memories of holiday trips down to driving down to local shops, daddies and cars are almost impossible to separate.

While travelling down memory lane is nice and all, we wanted to know what our very own
'
bapak-bapak'
 within the Carlist content team truly desires to own as their
dream cars
. If there are no limitations on money, imagination, and everything in between. These are their choices.

Ferdinand Felix Pereira, Head of Content - BMW E30 M3

At a time when cars are losing their soul, it's important that I maintain a classic to appreciate, especially since I have a son who is slowly getting into cars himself. The S14 heralded an era of great BMWs, bringing forth the moniker of Ultimate Driving Machine.

If I had to pick one 'daddy's car' it would be this gem of engineering. Why go fast in a straight line when you can fly around corners? That's the sweet spot for the
E30 M3
, one of the most finely balanced coupes of all time - with a design language that will still remain timeless long after the world runs out of crude oil. After which it will make a nice showpiece or bed for me!

Adam Aubrey, Content Producer - Porsche 964 Turbo

Being a father means you have to put up with a lot of sacrifices, including the indulgence of putting your money into a pleasurable machine with four wheels and an engine. However, since it's father's day, I can dream just a little bit, and my ultimate dream pick for a Father's Day car would have to be a
964 generation Porsche 911 Turbo
.

Arguably the prettiest generation of the Porsche 911, the 964 turbo came with a rear-mounted 3.6-litre turbocharged flat-6 engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. It’s capable of churning out 355 horsepower and 521 Nm of torque and I bet it still sounds eargasmic till today. It doesn't hurt either that it looked so sexy in Jerry Bruckheimer's Bad Boys which was where I fell in love with it in the first place.

Sep Irran, Content Producer - Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

If money wasn't an option, the
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
 is my ultimate dream pick Father's Day car. Since we can no longer ignore the full assault of EVs anymore, moving with the times is the way to go, and the Taycan Cross Turismo to me is the perfect vessel for comfortable drives with the family (and very spirited ones when you're alone behind the wheel). Hell of a performance, decent EV range, and sexy AF.

Sure, the EV mileage could be better (and like everything else, the price could be cheaper), but something surreally wonderful happened on a personal level when I was behind the wheel of a Porsche Taycan at Sepang, and the Cross Turismo just took things over the edge to make me truly fall in love with the overall looks. Boring? Maybe for some, until you put that pedal to that EV metal, baby.

Nathanael Long, Videographer - Volvo V60 Recharge

Choosing a hypercar that I can drive upside-down would definitely be my choice if money wasn't an option but being a father has taught me to be reasonable. The luxuriously designed rugged piece of metal, the
Volvo V60 Recharge
 would be my choice. AWD, 529 litres of cargo space (enough to carry 2 strollers since I'm a dad of twins), 407 PS, 640 Nm, 16-speaker, 600-watt Harman Kardon sound system (for Super Simple Songs).

Also, the V60 takes 4.6 seconds to get from 0-100 km/h and of course, the safety specs are out of this world.  A hypercar can’t do all that and an MPV/SUV can’t do that without making you feel like a piece of your heart has been ripped out. So, not only is the Volvo V60 a sexy (but safe) car, it can tear up the roads and make me a cool dad.


VPCM Welcomes 46 New Graduates From The Volkswagen Automotive Academy

It's always great to see a new batch of bright-eyed graduates joining the workforce. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) recently held the graduation ceremony for 20 sales and 26 aftersales representatives, which would be the second batch of graduates from the Volkswagen Automotive Academy since the Academy was launched back in August of 2017.
Sales Managers from the dealer network received the Sales Management Excellence (SME) certification, whilst Sales Consultants received the International Basic Training (IBT) certification. The courses took approximately six months to a year to complete, depending on the level of certification.
Aftersales graduates received the Certified Volkswagen Service Advisors, Certified Volkswagen Master Technician, and Certified Volkswagen Diagnostic Competence certification. The technicians have had to undergo basic and advanced qualification modules which span over two to three years before completion.
The category of Master Technician is the highest level within the technician category, and the ceremony saw seven graduates joining the ranks.


Audi Malaysia Reorganized Under Audi Singapore, To Remain Active In Malaysia

The Audi brand has been rather quiet lately and the last post on Audi Malaysia’s official Facebook page was in April, while their official Instagram account has been inactive since February. Their flagship Audi Kuala Lumpur showroom in Bukit Bintang, operated by Euromobil Sdn. Bhd., has since closed down, leading some to question if the Audi brand is still active in the country.
The short answer is yes, Malaysia remains an important market for Audi and it will continue to maintain a presence here in Malaysia. What has happened in the recent months was that the changing conditions in the luxury car segment - with tax incentivized locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz and BMW models gaining significant price advantage over Audi’s import-only model line-up - has forced the brand to scale down its operations in Malaysia.
In the first six months of 2018, Audi sold just 150 cars, down from last year’s 352 cars. In the same six-month period, Mercedes-Benz sold 6,950 cars, BMW sold 5,340 while Volvo sold 573. All three brands have local assembly operations in Malaysia and qualify for EEV (energy efficient vehicles) incentives.
Putting up a good fight is Lexus, whose Japan-made only line-up also misses out on the tax breaks, having managed to shift 425 cars out in the first half of 2018, which implies that Audi’s problems are not just pricing alone but also its product offerings. Lexus Malaysia maintains a network size that’s comparable to Audi’s - seven showrooms for Lexus, six showrooms for Audi.
Audi Malaysia, which used to serve as the national sales office for Malaysia, has since scaled down its headcount, and now operates under Audi Singapore.
The senior management of Audi Malaysia, including former Managing Director Mr. Immo Buschmann, have since moved on to different roles, as were many of their managerial and executive level staff.
The remaining staff of Audi Malaysia now report to Audi Singapore. As before, Audi Malaysia’s day-to-day backend administrative tasks will continue to be supported by Volkswagen Group Malaysia.
Audi dealers however, will continue to operate as usual, even if their total coverage is somewhat reduced. Owners and potential buyers keen on an Audi can rest assured that they will continue to enjoy the full support of Audi dealers.
Later this year, Rimau International, a division of Japan’s Matsushima Holdings, will be moving into a new 4-storey 4S centre in Setia Alam. The dealer is currently operating out of a temporary facility in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang, after having outgrown their two-lot temporary facility in Setia Alam as there is strong demand for Rimau’s Japanese-standard after-sales care.


All-New 2019 Ford Ranger Set To Get Four New Engines Including 2.0-litre Diesel

The highly-successful Ford Ranger T6 is set for a total makeover by 2019 featuring a variety of upgraded features plus an entirely new range of petrol and diesel engines, a report from Australia’s
GoAuto.com

has revealed.

Development is said to be led by Ford’s Asia-Pacific Product Development office based in Melbourne, which was also responsible for developing the current T6 model.

Freed from the need to work on the now-discontinued Falcon and Territory models, the engineers are able to dedicate a substantial chunk of its AU$450 million budget to work on the Ranger.

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A whole new range of engines are expected to feature under the bonnet. The familiar 2.2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.2-litre 5-cylinder diesel mills are set to be discontinued and will be replaced by a new-generation 2.0-litre EcoBlue 4-cylinder and a 3.0-litre PowerStroke V6 developed in collaboration with the PSA Group and former subsidiary Land Rover.

Petrol engines are set to take on added importance, as Ford now has the US market in mind as well. There will be at least two turbocharged petrol engines speculated to include the familiar 2.0-litre EcoBoost mill currently powering the
Mondeo
 and
S-Max
 as well as the 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine.

Also set to be featured in the new Ranger, although we are uncertain if it will be standard or optional fit, will be rear disc brakes which, according
GoAuto.com
, have been fitted on all test mules of the Ranger spotted to date.