Review: Kia Optima GT - A Matter Of Give And Take

With turbocharging fast becoming a mainstream powertrain option across all car manufacturers, the Koreans are no different. Kia, in particular, slowly introduced turbocharged petrol engines with their Koup Turbo, but that trickle-down effect eventually made its way to the more mainstream models too. While we won’t be seeing any 1.0-litre turbocharged Picantos anytime soon, the Optima GT has happily transitioned to turbocharging alongside the Sportage.
As a D-segment model, the Optima GT has long been a solid left-field contender, although perhaps at this point it may be a little long in the tooth. We say this despite being an entirely new generation, launched just last year and replacing the model that Malaysians may be more familiar with. Has the new powertrain given Kia’s D-segment contender a second wind?
Specifications:
Engine: 2.0-litre, Inline-4 Transverse, Direct Injection, Petrol
Power: 242 hp at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 350 Nm from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic, front-wheel drive
Safety: Six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Assist Control
Origin: Locally assembled at Gurun, Kedah
Price: RM 179,888 (OTR with insurance at time of testing)
Overview
This generation of Kia Optima GT is offered solely with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It’s a fairly powerful mill, with a solid 242 hp and 350 Nm of torque from just 1,400 rpm, up to 4,000 rpm. Paired with a six-speed conventional automatic transmission, this is the kind of formula you would expect to see in a sleeper car of sorts – i.e. the family car that’s deceptively quick.
From the previous generation there has been a great deal done on both the outside and in, helping to refresh the looks of the car and use more trendy materials. On the whole, the Optima GT has grown a little and this translates to more interior room.
Priced at RM 179,888 (at time of testing), the Optima GT sits right in the middle of the segment’s price bracket, being neither as expensive as a top-of-the-line Volkswagen Passat, nor being as budget friendly as a Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L. That’s not an entirely bad position to be in, as it bridges the gap between conventional powertrains and pure performance and luxury.
Exterior Design
With Kia, design is constantly evolving with each model launched. There’s no defined line between generations, which can be a little confusing but isn’t any indication of designs being clumsy or poorly thought out. The Optima GT is a handsome car, whether you’re viewing it from head on or from any of the quarter-panel views. Perhaps the only peculiar perspective is when you view it directly from the side, which really gives you an impression of how long the car is.
In terms of the actual features on the car itself, the Optima GT carefully blends fluid metal bodywork with sharp elements such as a rear diffuser and both headlights and taillights. The grill up front has a more seamless blending with the headlights for a truly cohesive design. While the wheels could use a little more offset and a face that isn’t quite so flat, they aren’t be any means a design you couldn’t live with.
Interior Design
Perhaps this is the crux of the Optima GT: it doesn’t feel like it has come far enough from the previous generation. We were already fans of the Optima GT of old, but that was at a time when manufacturers weren’t stepping up their game in the department of interior designs. The top-of-the-line Volkswagen Passat comes with a massive LCD screen; one can’t help but wonder when this will be made available on more mass market models.
In terms of the actual quality of materials used, Kia has done a great job. It does feel premium to the touch, including the solid build quality and feedback from the switchgear. What lets the Optima GT down is the rather small entertainment unit, which occupies a space flanked by plenty of unused dashboard trim. The usage of black in a singular tone with the Optima GT is common with the outgoing model, though not necessarily a good thing.
Where the interior does shine, however, is in the sheer room – at least in terms of legroom. Front and rear passengers are hardly ever wanting more, even with four tall occupants. Headroom, however, is a little bit of a sore topic for rear passengers given the taper of the Optima GT’s roof.
How does it drive?
There are very high expectations when it comes to the Optima GT as class contenders now have to face models like the Mazda 6 as a benchmark for handling performance. Given that it has the most power in class, one would also expect the Optima GT to be quick on the straights as well.
Unfortunately, this isn’t quite the case. While the tyres on the Optima GT were incredibly worn during the testing period, the overall characteristics of the car could still be gleamed. One redeeming aspect of the drive experience is the brakes; despite not being particularly fancy or exotic, the brakes on the Optima GT provide more than enough stopping power.
In terms of powertrain, the major let-down is arguably the gear ratios. Despite being a modern, functional unit, the gear ratios determine just how well the car will perform. In the case of the Optima GT, there are very long gear ratios which ends up robbing the feeling of acceleration from the rather potent engine.
As for handling itself, the Optima GT is far from bad, but neither is it outstanding. The car is long and heavy, making it particularly slow to react to directional changes. A bit of trail braking helps to coax the car into a corner, which is unique for a car these days, but it’s more a workaround than a solution.
How comfortable is it?
As mentioned earlier, the Optima GT is spacious and the materials are well selected, but when it comes to ride quality it’s a tale of two cities. For front passengers, the damping is fairly spot on – not quite Lexus levels of smoothness, but nowhere near bone jarring either. For the rear passengers, as is the case with a lot of cars these days, things are a little less comfortable as undulations and bumps are transmitted directly to the rear seats. It’s not uncomfortable to the point of being unusable, but more a minor annoyance.
How fuel efficient is it?
Over 162 kilometres of driving, most of it being highway and light traffic, the Optima GT returned 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Realistically, however, you are more likely to see that figure go up to around 10 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the traffic you face and your driving style. Cane it along a back road and you can easily see 14 litres per 100 kilometres – but this isn’t something you’ll be carrying out every day.
Conclusion
Even though the powertrain is a little diluted by the ratios, it is still a quick car by any measure and is happy cruising at highly illegal speeds. That’s the benefit of longer ratios – an engine can maintain lower revs at higher speeds and as such it’s simply a more comfortable car to drive. If you’re one who isn’t likely to fiddle around with the entertainment unit – more a set-up-Bluetooth-and-drive person like myself – then the size of the display isn’t a particular problem.
The Optima GT is a car that happily sits in the middle of the pack. Certain things about it are better than the competition, and certain things are lacking. The pricing is highly appropriate when taking these things into consideration, but depending on what you look for in a car the Optima GT may be the most appealing option.


Government Delays Child Seat Enforcement Rule  - Will Enforcement Ever Happen?

Will penalties ever be handed out to parents who do not have their kids in child seats?

The subject of child seat enforcement in Malaysia has been on the table for more than half a decade now, and 2020 was supposed to be the year that we put the requirement of mandatory child seat in vehicles into full swing.

Well, it kind of happened because the usage of child seats became mandatory in January this year, but due to the government's rationalisation that vehicle owners from lower-income groups would struggle to purchase one, they decided that although the enforcement would take place, no fines would be given to those that did not have one for the first six months of 2020.

That unusual and weird rule was supposed to only last till July and guess what? We're in July, and the government has decided to postpone the mandatory child seat requirement indefinitely. What this simply means is that the rule has been abolished until further notice and the reason for this is because the government doesn't want to put any extra burden on Malaysians who are going through this ravaging pandemic which has hit the income flow of many Malaysians.

We understand that the government is trying its best to alleviate the financial stress of its citizens, but we're sure that there are other ways to do so without sacrificing the safety of the future generation. This is another example of our government not thinking things through which indirectly sends the wrong message that wealth is more important than health.

The government must also see that if people can buy cars, they can most certainly also afford a car seat. A quick glance at online stores like Shopee and Lazada shows that you can purchase a well designed ECE R44/04-certified child seat for under RM200 - we're pretty sure tinting a car which most people do after buying a vehicle cost more than a child seat.

Whatever the argument is, the government is sending the wrong message by flip-flopping between regulations, especially one that saves lives. It shows that they are not entirely sure whether the regulation is necessary or that it is not high on their agenda.

We've written many
articles
 about deaths caused by not having children in a child seat so maybe its best we ignore whatever the government is trying to do and take charge of the situation. Consider the child seat as an investment, an investment that will surely keep your kids out of harm's way.

As much as we do not want to bring this up,
here
 is an example of what can happen if your child is not in a seat which secures them to the cabin of the car.

'


Vinfast’s 470hp EV Prototype Spotted. Where’s Malaysia’s ‘Nextgen’ Car?

Seems there’s something brewing within Vinfast after all as one of the still fresh-faced Vietnamese automaker’s latest prototypes was spotted on the streets wearing the usual layers of camouflage wrap.

The car was spotted at a fairly large and suspiciously deserted roundabout. The tropical foliage put this somewhere in the Southeast Asian country. Pictures were then shared on
OTO+
, a public group on Facebook, with the caption that pegged it as an EV. Is it?

First of all, as we can see, this isn’t an off-shoot of their existing 2 models - the A2.0 (a sedan) and the LUX SA2.0 (an SUV) - nor does it look like it borrows too much from the catalogue of BMW, the company’s longtime platform and powertrain partner.

With it being a rather stylish crossover (have they tapped Pininfarina again?), and one with a rather low ride height, it certainly does fit the bill for a fully electric vehicle of our times. A dedicated electric platform would mean a battery arrangement (purportedly sourced from LG) along the floor of the vehicle for maximum cell capacity.

This Vinfast
Nextgen Test Vehicle
 does indeed look taller than it needs to be. And at the front, the lack of prominent air intakes almost confirms that there’s definitely something else besides an internal combustion engine at work here.

The original poster of these images also comments that the car is projected to make around 470hp in its most powerful configuration (likely dual motor layout) and boasts around 500km of range per charge.

It’s still unclear how Vinfast managed to secure the steady development of a fully electric car in such a short time. Remember, the automaker is only coming up on its third birthday this month, so it’s unlikely this was a purely in-house project.

Perhaps they’ve partnered with a more experienced EV player from Vietnam’s neighbour to the north, China, as there are no shortage of parts suppliers and large-scale potential collaborators that would be very happy to siphon from Vinfast’s cash reserves and the burgeoning middle class it has special access to.

As there is a considerable amount of national pride attached to Vinfast as the country’s first automaker, they would naturally want as much of the car developed and made in Vietnam. Either way, for a Southeast Asian automaker to burst out the gate with two premium offerings and a fully electric model within the first 5 years (or so) is still mightily impressive.

If this prototype is far enough along for a full production debut within the next year or so, Vinfast is surely beating any local automaker to that EV milestone. Would Malaysian cars soon find themselves needing to play catch-up?


Meet The First-Ever BMW M3 Touring - 510hp, 650Nm

If you've ever wondered about a
wagon-styled

BMW M3
, you don't need to wonder anymore with this - the first-ever BMW M3 Touring. That's short for BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, ladies and gents.

BMW M GmbH has finally added this new body variant to its high-performance model line-up and it's probably one the best 'Father's Day' cars that we've added to our growing list. A combination of 'authentic motorsport feeling' and 'broader spread of practical qualities'? Yes, please!

The BMW M3 Touring is described as a car that has its own standalone appearance thanks to some M-specific exterior features like the vertical kidney grille, large inlets, M gills, wheel arches, and more.

Its overall stance is still very sporty looking at those forged M light-alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear), but BMW assures you that it's also good for long-distance driving.

M TwinPower Turbo Engine

Looking at this blend of high-performance and everyday practicality, the BMW M3 Touring is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six M TwinPower Turbo engine that produces
510hp
 and
650Nm
 of torque. Basically, it's the same as the M3 saloon model from the B pillars moving forward.

This translates to a 0-100km/h time of only 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 280km/h after punching that power down to its eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

There are few driving modes available in the 4WD setting, but if you require some rear-wheels-only fun, you can do so by turning off its Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Don't worry, BMW has stiffened up the rear axle and suspension to ensure that it's just as fun to drive as the M3 Competition saloon.

Racing Cockpit + Extra Versatility

For the driver, the interior of the BMW M3 Touring welcomes you with the BMW Curved Display - a fully-digital setup that consists of a 12.3-inch info display plus a diagonal 14.9-inch control display housed within a single glass surface angled towards the driver (similar units found in the i4 and iX models).

If you're not keen on the standard M sport seats, you can opt for the M carbon bucket seats for the front row, but those seating at the back can enjoy three full-sized seats with a 40:20:40 split (same goes for the M Compound brakes, which can be switched to the BMW M Carbon ceramics).

Storage requires applause as the rear load capacity can be extended from 500 litres to 1,510 litres if all three second-row seats are folded down. And there is also the automatic tailgate operation plus a separately opening rear window fitted as standard.

We can go on and on about all the M-specific parts and features (not including all the extra M Performance kits and bits that are available as options). Just know that orders will be opened in September before production starts in November.


Pick of the Week: 2015 Honda S660

Between the 1970s and the 1990s, Japanese carmakers came up with some of the greatest cars of all times. But after the dawn of the millennium, manufacturers from the land of the rising sun somewhat lost the plot and started making cars that were getting more and more boring.
On one hand, medium and large sedans were growing in size and started lacking visual excitement, while on the other hand, small ‘Kei’ cars all became boxes on wheels, literally.
With the trend continuing for another decade, those who were looking for exciting cars, especially compacts, began switching to European brands as the offerings were simply better. Don’t agree?
Look at the compact cars that came out of Japan and compare them with cars that came from Europe over the past 10 years.
Realising this, a few Japanese brands like Honda put in some effort to revive the glory days of exciting Kei cars and the results are looking nothing short of impressive.
Look at the Honda S660 for instance. The two-seat sports car, which made its global debut in 2013 as a prototype, is definitely one of the most exciting models to come from Japan in recent times.
Weighing only 830kg, the S660, which is the successor to the Honda Beat roadster, is powered by a three-cylinder 660cc engine which produces 63hp and 104Nm of maximum torque paired to either a manual transmission or a CVT.
Measuring 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in total width and 1,180 mm in height, the S660 mid-engined roadster, which is smaller than the CR-Z, also marks Honda’s return to making small and fun two-door coupes.
The S660 is a kei (minicar) that is designed to meet Japan's minicar regulations, and like all other 660cc kei cars, you can be certain that the S660 will not be introduced to other countries. So if you want to get hold of this potential future classic, your only option is to approach grey importers, several of them have started offering the S660.
The units shown here are imported by
Jaya Wawasan
, whose stock of reconditioned S660 are available in three colours - white, yellow and red.
Priced at around RM170,000, this S660 comes with features like paddle shifters (for automatic transmission models), sports seats, as well as keyless entry. The higher specs models come with a G-meter that displays how many Gs the car is pulling in a corner. The dealer also claims that they offer a three-year warranty for their cars, but as this is not a manufacturer's warranty by Honda, customers are advised to verify the terms and conditions, and what items are covered by the warranty.
Those looking for a fun, unique Kei should definitely check out this car.
For more details, check out the advertisement
here
. You can also check out other models available at their dealership
here
.


Daihatsu Malaysia Launches Business Fleet Program, Showcases Gran Max A/T At MCVE 2019

Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (DMSB) has launched the Daihatsu Business Fleet Program at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2019 last weekend.
Introduced to provide innovative solutions and end-to-end aftersales service to small and medium businesses as well as customers with larger fleets, the benefits of the Daihatsu’s Business Fleet Program include:
Sales & Service Incentives - special rebates with new purchase of Daihatsu fleets and special discounts on parts purchases.
Daihatsu’s Mobile Service – dedicated on-site vehicle service exclusively for Daihatsu fleet customers without additional charges.
Extended Vehicle Warranty Service - 5 Years/150,000 km standard manufacturer warranty for better protection and peace of mind.
Maintenance Service Contract - Personalized service maintenance plan with additional value-added services.
Service Credit Term Facilities - Up to RM10,000 with 30 days credit term for vehicle maintenance.
Drivers Safety Training Program - To improve personal driving skills, road safety culture, vehicle upkeep and ensure longer uptime.
Accident Repair & Insurance Claim Service - One stop automotive repair centre and insurance claims to ensure total customer satisfaction and confidence.
“The program’s main focus is to better meet the requirements of today’s growing fleets. With the explosive growth of transportation network companies and last mile delivery services, our aim is to drive value through innovation by being the preferred partner of fleet companies to provide them with the service, vehicles and fleet management they need”, said Arman Mahadi, Managing Director of DMSB.
Besides the Business Fleet Program, DMSB also showcased the Gran Max Panel Van (AT) at the MCVE 2019. The rear-wheel driven compact van, which can accommodate up to 2,000 kg of gross weight (with load), is powered by a fuel-injected DOHC DVVT 1.5-litre engine. The vehicle also comes with features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual front SRS airbags, as well as power steering.
In addition, DMSB also announced that it has partnered with Free Tree Society to create the ‘Rewilding Roadshow’, a community project sponsored by DMSB to encourage urban conservation and the greening of urban spaces.
In line with the partnership, the company showcased the Gran Max Green Van, a Gran Max panel van custom built for the roadshow, which comes complete with body wrap and additional body kit accessories such as Daytime Running Lights, Bull Bar, Body Side Molding, Side Mirror Cover, Sun Visor, Scuff Plate, and 15-inch sport rims.
Another concept unveiled at the MCVE 2019 was a Gran Max which has been transformed into a fully functional mobile clinic, as part of DMSB’s support of Columbia Asia Hospital's initiative to continuously engage with the community to create awareness and foster preventive healthcare management.
The mobile clinic offers complimentary health screening throughout the three days of the expo, including a blood donation drive administrated by the National Blood Centre on the second day of the expo.


Los Angeles 2017: Lexus To Debut All-New RXL 7-Seater SUV

Lexus will premiere the three-row, seven–seater Lexus RXL, essentially an RX with added seating capacity, at the upcoming Los Angeles Autoshow in December.
The RXL will be the second Lexus model, after the
LX 570
, to offer seating for seven occupants.
A hybrid model dubbed the RX 450hL has also been confirmed.
From the teaser picture, the 350 badge suggests that the 3.5-litre V6 (which produces 295 hp/ 370 Nm) currently found in the
5-seater RX model
 will be carried over to the seven-seater RXL model.
Likewise, the 450hL variant will most probably retain the existing 450h model's 3.5-litre Atkinson Cycle engine mated to a duo of electric motors which produces a total output of 308 hp.


AD: 5-Star Ownership Experience With Kurnia Blue Ribbon Selection Program

Finding a trustworthy dealer and getting some sort of assurance for the product being sold are arguably among the biggest concerns for those who are looking to buy a used vehicle in Malaysia.
Unlike manufacturers who often offer a few years of warranty, many used car dealers only cover for months, and whatever issue that the sold vehicle faces after that period usually falls on the buyer.
This is why many buyers often settle down for whatever they can find in the new car market, despite knowing that there are many options that are more worthwhile in the used car market.
However, all of the above are about to change as we have some great news for those who are looking for a used vehicle at this point of time.
In an effort to give buyers an ownership experience that is close to buying a new car, a sense of assurance and peace of mind, Kurnia Insurance has collaborated with Carlist.my and introduced the
Kurnia Blue Ribbon Selection Program
.
What happens with the program is that those who register and purchase a vehicle under it are entitled to numerous benefits such as:
12-months warranty for used/reconditioned cars
Exclusive Motor Personal Accident coverage
24-hours breakdown assistance
450km round trip towing service
Better trade-in value
Do keep in mind that the vehicles listed under the Kurnia Blue Ribbon Selection Program are only from Carlist.my’s list of trusted dealers – meaning that they have had a good track record with customers.
So, with the issue of finding a trustable dealer is out of the picture with the Kurnia Blue Ribbon Selection Program, it is worth mentioning that every used and reconditioned vehicle sold here comes with a 12-month warranty, which covers the vehicle’s engine system parts.
However, only pre-owned vehicles that are up to 8 years old with a maximum mileage of 150,000km (pre-owned), and re-conditioned vehicles up to 7 years of age with a maximum mileage of 100,000km are entitled for the warranty program, but that translates to most of the vehicles in the Blue Ribbon Selection’s listing.
As for the Exclusive Motor Personal Accident coverage, every customer who buys from the Kurnia Blue Ribbon Selection Program will receive an exclusive PA coverage worth between RM10,000 and RM20,000, medical expenses coverage of up to RM1,000 per accident, and also hospitality income of up to RM20 per day for a maximum of 60 days. This is of course on top of the 24-hours vehicle breakdown service, and the free 450km round trip towing services which you normally have to pay for.
That being said, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Kurnia Blue Ribbon Selection offers an experience that is almost as similar to purchasing a new vehicle. Think about it – When was the last time you heard of used car dealers offering a warranty program that can match the Kurnia Blue Ribbon Selection Program?


2016 BMW M2 launched in Malaysia; Priced from RM499k

Following its
global unveil
 not too long ago, the all-new 2016 BMW M2 Coupe makes landfall in Malaysia, being priced at RM498,800 on-the-road excluding insurance.
Based upon the fundamentals of the F22
2 Series
 Coupe, the M2 takes over from the manic
1 Series M Coupe
 as the entry-level
M model
. Like its predecessor, it is also touted as the spiritual successor of the original E30 M3 and the even more rarefied 2002 Turbo that came before it.
"The new BMW M2 Coupe is a very special car. There are only very limited numbers of this car produced worldwide and we are very lucky to be able to have units for Malaysia in celebration of the 100 Years Anniversary of the BMW Group," said Mr Raymond Tan, BMW Group Malaysia's Head of Sales.
Whilst this is not BMW M’s first project with the F22 chassis, the M2 should not be confused with the M235i which, despite seemingly common components outwardly, is part of the more easygoing M Performance vehicle family that sits between mainstream BMW models and full-blooded M cars.
Powering the M2 is a fresh derivative of BMW’s 3.0-litre N55 six-cylinder engine that punches out 370hp and 465Nm; a significant step up from the M235i’s 326hp and 450Nm.
If mated with a 6-speed manual transmission, the M2 will complete the century sprint in a rapid 4.5 seconds yet is rated with commendably frugal consumption of 8.5 litres/100km in the combined test cycle (CO
2
 – 199 g/km).
Swapping the stick shifter out for the M DCT transmission (which is fitted standard for Malaysia-bound cars) takes 0.2 seconds off the 0-100km/h time – thanks to the integration of launch control – and further improves fuel economy to 7.9 litres/100km (CO
2
 – 185 g/km). Top speed is capped at 250km/h.
Despite its highly-focused performance orientation, the BMW M2 comes fitted with a decent number of amenities. As with mainstream BMW models, the M2 is offered with a range of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive.
Regular track goers will appreciate the GoPro and M Laptimer apps to film and record telemetry such as speed, acceleration, engine speed, G-forces, gear selection, steering angle, throttle pressure, and fuel consumption for analysis… or just to show off.
Other notable features fitted in the M2 include:
19-inch forged aluminium wheels with staggered tyres
Sports exhaust with twin tailpipes
lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension
Active M Differential
M compound brakes
Alcantara upholstery
Navigation System Professional
The M2 does not currently have a direct competitor from BMW’s rival brands, but it will be interesting to see if there will be another M2 to accompany the next-generation 2 Series Coupe, which is likely to switch to transverse engine underpinnings based on the modular UKL platform. Such a vehicle, if BMW decides to make one, will compete more directly with other high-performance transverse-engine models such as the
Mercedes-AMG A 45
 and CLA 45, Audi RS 3, and perhaps even the
Volkswagen Golf R
. Otherwise, we are looking at a real collector's item here.
Due to limited availability, initial shipment of the M2 Coupe consists of only two units, although allocation of additional units is being requested by BMW Group Malaysia to meet strong demand for the vehicle. Like all mainstream BMW models, the M2 Coupe is covered by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 5-year free service, and BMW's Tyre Warranty Programme.


Continental Tyres Hosts “Whee-lly Fun Day” Carnival For Customers

Continental Tyres Malaysia (CTM) is hosting the first ever carnival of its type for customers, set across 3 weekends, in three different venues within Peninsular Malaysia. The Continental 'Whee-lly Fun Day' organises games and activities for the whole family, aimed at creating awareness of tyre safety for the general public.
Among the attractions of the roadshow are activities such as a kid’s corner and ladies corner where respective visitors are able to take part in challenges, Continental ComfortContact CC6 and UltraContact UC6 tyre showcases and free tyre safety checks.
The first of the three roadshows took place at Auto City Juru, Penang, last weekend, the next two roadshow dates are as follows:
13th & 14th May - 1 Utama Shopping Mall, Bandar Utama
20th & 21st May - Angsana Mall, Johor Bahru
For customers who purchase a minimum of any two Continental Tyres from April 1st onwards, will get an exclusive driving experience at the event itself and be entitled to a lucky draw. Visitors can also expect giveaways from the
Hot FM
 and
ONE FM
 Radio troopers as they will be popping over at the 1 Utama and Johor Bahru locations.
Mr Cameron Wilson, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia adds, “This carnival was an idea we thought about for a while now where we want to reach out to our consumers in a more personal manner. Thus, 'Your Whee-lly Fun Day' was born where it is a day creating awareness on tyre safety through a fun and educational approach.”


Kia Introduces Enhanced Rio And Facelifted Optima GT In Malaysia

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, today unveiled the enhanced Kia Rio hatchback and the facelifted Kia Optima GT sedan.
Launched just over a year ago, the Rio hatchback received a much-needed improvement in the powertrain section. Out goes the dated 4-speed automatic transmission, replaced with a new 6-speed self-shifting unit. The new transmission continues to be paired with the 1.4-litre engine that develops 100 PS and 133 Nm of torque.
More driving assistance features have been included too, which are:
Automatic cruise control with speed limiter
Blind Spot Detection system (BDS)
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Kia says the enhanced Rio 1.4 6AT now runs on 16-inch wheels wrapped with tyres in size of 195/55 R16 for a smoother ride.
There are no changes to the price of the enhanced Kia Rio 1.4, which is priced from RM 78,888.
The new Optima GT meanwhile receives key changes to the exterior design as well as interior features. The front bumper and grille receive a more aggressive styling, made more prominent with LED fog lamps.
Behind the new front fascia, lies the segment-best 2.0-litre engine with outputs of 245 PS and 350Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission driving only the front wheels.
The graphics of the tail lamps have also been updated to a more dynamic look.
Moving inside, the new Optima GT seat design features a two-tone combination of red and black, with the front seats embroidered with the GT signature logo.
Manoeuvring the Optima GT in narrow streets is now easier for the driver, thanks to the fitment of the surround view camera system that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding.
The new Optima GT, featuring two new colours- Silky Silver and Platinum Graphite, plus three existing colours is priced from RM169,888.
Naza Kia Malaysia also introduced the
facelifted Sorento SUV and Grand Carnival 8-seater MPV
, with prices maintained for all variants.
All new Kia models come with a five-year/unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.


VIDEO: Man In LaFerrari Drives Recklessly Through Neighbourhood, Engine Smokes Up

You may have thought "some people just don’t deserve certain things" at some point in your lives. For this pair, one in his bright yellow La
Ferrari
and the other in a white Type 991
Porsche

911

GT3
, we’d forgive you for thinking that.
They pulled out of a Beverly Hills home with the intention of causing a lot of noise and putting lives at risk in a quiet residential area. The yellow Ferrari comically scraping its low nose at a junction, too.
Upset and/or embarassed at his car’s scuffed chin, the driver smokes his tyres and speeds off with the Porsche playing catch up, leaving some of parked cars’ alarms going off. The two of them make it around the block and barely slow down enough to stop for a four-way junction, almost rear-ending a
Nissan

Teana
 (in the U.S, where this was shot, it's known as the Nissan Altima).
Finally, the duo has had their fill of stupid fun and return to the house, which has also parked within a Bugatti Veyron and
Mercedes-Benz

G63
 AMG. But the yellow LaFerrari is pouring smoke from the engine bay. Oh no! We love Ferraris, but let’s hope its ruined so he’ll learn a bitter lesson.
Police were called to the scene as there were, understandably, a lot of angry neighbours. Did they get arrested? Not sure, but we’re hopeful.


2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 makes Malaysian debut for RM650k

For Malaysia, Mercedes-AMG has not only unveiled one fully electric model but also introduced the new EQE53 4Matic+. Joining the local lineup alongside the EQE350+, this imported addition comes with a price tag of RM649,888 on-the-road without insurance, which is RM230,000 more than the non-AMG version.

Distinguishing itself
from the EQE350+
, the EQE53 4Matic+ boasts two electric motors for all-wheel drive, delivering a total system output of 626 PS (617 hp or 460 kW) and 950 Nm of torque. This is a significant improvement over the single-motor EQE350+, which generates only 292 PS (288 hp or 215 kW) and 565 Nm.

As a result, the AMG EQE can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h. In comparison, the EQE350+ takes 6.4 seconds for the same sprint and has a slightly lower top speed of 210 km/h.

Up To 1,000Nm and 3.3 seconds to 100km/h!

To further enhance performance, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has equipped the AMG EQE with the AMG Dynamic Plus package, boosting the outputs to 687 PS (677 hp or 505 kW) and 1,000 Nm when the boost function is enabled. This reduces the century sprint time by an additional 0.2 seconds and raises the top speed to 240 km/h.

Similar to the larger AMG EQS,
which was also introduced on the same day,
 the AMG EQE features specific cooling elements for its electric motors, such as a water lance in the rotor shaft and special ribs on the stator. The inverter is equipped with a needle-shaped pin-fin structure made of ceramics, and a transmission oil heat exchanger maintains optimal oil temperature.

However, the increased performance of the AMG EQE comes at the expense of range. It utilises the same 90.56-kWh lithium-ion battery as the EQE350+, offering a range of up to 527 km according to the WLTP standard, which is lower than the non-AMG variant's mighty range of 669 km.

Charging specifications remain unchanged, with the AMG EQE capable of accepting a maximum AC input (Type 2 connection) of 11 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10-100% state of charge (SoC) in approximately eight hours and 15 minutes. DC fast charging (CCS2 connection) is also available at a peak rate of 170 kW, enabling a 10-80% SoC in just 32 minutes.

Additional driving-related features of the AMG EQE include Airmatic air suspension with adaptive adjustable dampers (ADS+), rear-wheel steering, larger brakes, and the Dynamic Select program, offering selectable modes that adjust the characteristics of individual drive systems.

To differentiate the EQE53 4Matic+ from the standard EQE, it showcases a modern interpretation of the Panamericana grille, featuring chrome vertical struts on a black panel grille, along with an integrated Mercedes-Benz star and AMG lettering. The rest of the car is adorned with the AMG Line package, which includes sportier front and rear bumpers, as well as the AMG Night package.

The standard equipment for the AMG EQE includes Digital Light headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, a panoramic sliding sunroof, red-painted brake calipers, an AMG interior (Performance steering wheel, floor mats, illuminated door sills, carbon-fiber trim, and center console), a black fabric roof liner, and ambient lighting.

The Performance EV Cabin Experience

Inside the car, you'll find Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfiber upholstery in a black/space grey theme, powered front sport seats with a memory function, Keyless-Go, Thermotronic dual-zone climate control, and the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Hyperscreen.

This Hyperscreen setup, consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 17.7-inch OLED center touchscreen, and another 12.3-inch OLED passenger touchscreen, all covered by a single piece of scratch-resistant glass, is not available with the EQE350+. The MBUX system is complemented by a Burmester 3D surround sound system, a head-up display, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

Needless to say, we can’t wait to drive one!


Spyshot: Geely VF11 MPV Spied, Potential Exora Replacement?

Geely’s all-new MPV has been caught completely undisguised for the first time ever. The new model will succeed the ageing Emgrand EV8.
Codenamed VF11, the all-new MPV from Geely is reportedly going to carry the company’s line of G-Power engines. Hybrid versions of the VF11 could be introduced later on.
Set to go on sale in the second half of 2018, the all-new Geely MPV features the company’s corporate grille up front, flanked by a pair of headlights with LED DRLs. The lower air intake extends horizontally across, giving the new Geely a large smiling face.
Towards the rear, the Geely MPV gets a floating roof design, much like the Geely Concept MPV that was unveiled at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show back in April. A chrome strip connects both tail lamps together. Unlike other large MPVs, the Geely MPV does not get power sliding doors, instead gets a more traditional four door approach.
Inside, we can see that the all-new Geely MPV gets a dual-tone interior colour scheme, as well as the rear digital air-conditioning controls. According to
Autohome
, the all-new MPV is reportedly a seven-seater but actual seating arrangement is yet to be confirmed.
Closer to home, the all-new Geely MPV is an excellent candidate to replace the ageing Proton Exora, which has undergone a number of nip and tucks since its introduction in 2008.


Review: Perodua Myvi 2022 – King Myvi Tampil Dengan Ciri Yang Lebih Padu

Perodua Myvi 2022
 sudah pun dilancarkan dengan pelbagai penambahan ciri baharu. Persoalannya, bagaimana pula prestasi Myvi baharu ini jika dibandingkan dengan Myvi sebelum ini?

Pada minggu lalu, saya berkesempatan untuk menghadiri Perodua Myvi 2022 Media Drive yang diadakan selama 3 hari di Johor. Sepanjang tempoh tersebut, dapatlah saya merasai sendiri prestasi Myvi baharu ini dari segi pemanduan, keselesaan dan prestasi enjin serta
transmisi
 baharu Myvi ini.

Sebelum kita mula, ini merupakan ringkasan tentang spesifikasi Perodua Myvi varian AV:

Spesifikasi

Varian: Myvi 1.5L AV

Enjin: 1.5L 2NR-VE, DOHC with DUAL VVT-i

Kuasa: 103 PS/ 6,000 rpm

Tork: 137 Nm/ 4,200 rpm

Transmisi: D-CVT

Keselamatan: 6
airbags
,
Anti-Lock Braking System
 (ABS),
Electronic Brake Distribution
 (EBD),
Vehicle Stability Control
 (VSC),
Traction Control
 (TRC),
Emergency Stop Signal
 (ESS),
Hill-start Assist
 (HSA),
Solar & Security Window Film
,
Integrated Driving Video Recorder
 (DVR), ISOFIX
System with Top Tether
,
Auto Locking & Unlocking Door &
Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA)

Harga: RM58,800

Exterior

Bahagian luaran Myvi ini kelihatan lebih ringkas dengan rekaan bampar baharu yang lebih kelihatan seperti adik beradik Myvi yang lain seperti
Axia
,
Aruz
 mahupun
Ativa
. Lampu kabus lama Myvi ini telah digantikan dengan DRL LED. Sedikit info tambahan, lampu DRL pada Myvi ini tidak akan menyala setiap kali anda menghidupkan enjin kereta, sebaliknya ia akan mula menyala apabila anda mula menggerakkan kereta (gear D, turun handbrake).

Pada awalnya, saya tidak berapa gemar rekaan bampar baharu Myvi ini, namun lama-kelamaan, nampak cantik pula. Perasaan ini adalah perasaan sama yang saya rasai ketika awal-awal nampak Perodua Ativa dulu. Meskipun Myvi ini menggunakan rim 15-inci yang sama seperti dulu, tetapi Myvi
facelift
 ini tetap menyerlah dan mudah untuk dibezakan dengan Myvi sebelum ini.

Interior

Sekali pandang, tidak banyak perbezaan pada bahagian dalam. Cuma yang paling ketara adalah penambahan warna merah pada corong
penyaman udara
 dan tempat duduk. Kalau anda peminat warna merah, tiada masalah untuk anda tapi kalau anda tidak berapa minat warna merah, mungkin penggunaan warna merah pada tempat duduk Myvi ini agak sedikit keterlaluan jika nak dibandingkan dengan Perodua Ativa.

Stereng Myvi yang diambil dari Ativa ini memang terasa jauh lebih baik berbanding sebelum ini dengan pelbagai butang seperti butang
Power Mode
, butang kawalan
ADAS
, butang arahan suara, serta butang untuk mengawal audio di sistem infotainmen serta paparan TFT pada kluster instrumen. Pendek kata, segalanya di hujung jari sahaja.  Selain itu, tak banyak perbezaan ketara lain yang boleh di dapati pada Myvi baharu ini.

Paparan infotainmen Myvi kini lebih besar dengan saiz 6.9-inci berbanding 6.2-inci sebelum ini, meskipun masih tiada sambungan Apple CarPlay mahupun Android Auto. Namun rata-rata pembeli Myvi tidaklah memerlukan sangat ciri tersebut berbanding dengan ciri keselamatan baharu yang ada pada Myvi ini. Paparan TFT pada meter pula menunjukkan pelbagai info pemanduan serta membolehkan pemandu untuk mengubah suai tetapan pada kereta.

Walaupun rekaan kawalan penyaman udaranya kelihatan tidak berubah, namun Perodua kini telah meletakkan butang
off
pada kawalan penyaman udaranya. Selain daripada itu, Myvi ini juga kini dilengkapi dengan
auto lock
, cermin sisi
auto fold
 dan lampu utama automatik. Manakala Smart Tag terbina siap, USB port dan
anti-snatch hook
 masih lagi dikekalkan pada Myvi ini.

Tak cukup dengan itu, kerusi belakang Myvi boleh dilaraskan untuk memberi posisi duduk yang lebih selesa kepada penumpang di bahagian belakang. Ruangan but yang berukuran 277 liter pula adalah mencukupi untuk keluarga kecil. Untuk lebih ruang, tempat duduk Myvi ini juga boleh diubah mengikut beberapa mod penumpang (1-5 penumpang). Nak bawa barang-barang Ikea pun tidak menjadi masalah.

Enjin Dan Prestasi

Walaupun menggunakan enjin yang sama seperti Myvi sebelum ini, tapi prestasi enjin Myvi ini tenyata lebih baik seakan-akan ada peningkatan pada kuasa kuda serta torknya. Dengan penggunaan
D-CVT
 yang sama pada Ativa, pergerakan pada kelajuan rendah atau biasa terasa amat lancar dan tenang pada rpm yang rendah. Namun bila anda memecut dengan laju, Myvi ini ternyata memberikan respon yang sangat bagus walaupun anda tidak menggunakan mod Power. Menurut Perodua, penggunaan D-CVT menggantikan 4-kelajuan auto memberikan respon enjin 20% lebih pantas berbanding sebelumnya.

Butang PWR (
power mode
) pada stereng memudahkan pemandu untuk mengakses kuasa penuh Myvi dengan mudah, terutama apabila ingin memecut atau memotong sesuatu kereta. Selepas butang PWR ditekan, paparan TFT akan bertukar menjadi oren menandakan mod Power sedang di aktifkan dan pedal minyak akan memberi tindak balas yang lebih sensitif.

Selain itu, terdapat perubahan pada urutan gear Myvi ini yang kini memaparkan gear S dan B. Gear S bermaksud
Sport
 yang boleh digunakan untuk mendaki bukit atau memotong. Apabila menggunakan gear S, kereta akan memberikan tindak balas yang lebih sensitif dan memberi anda lebih kuasa pada kelajuan rendah. Gear B pula membawa maksud
Engine Braking
yang boleh digunakan untuk memperlahankan kenderaan apabila menuruni jalan berbukit atau jalan yang curam. Penggunaan gear B ini semasa menurun bukit dapat mengurangkan risiko brek panas atau
brake pad
 cepat haus.

Yang pastinya, Myvi ini memang lebih laju berbanding Myvi sebelumnya. Dari posisi pegun ke 100 km/j, Myvi kini hanya memerlukan 10.2 saat sahaja. Bukan setakat makin laju, malah makin jimat minyak juga! Dengan penggunaan transmisi D-CVT, Perodua mendakwa Myvi baharu ini menawarkan kecekapan bahan api yang lebih baik dengan 21.1 km/liter berbanding 20.1 km/liter sebelum ini.

Keselesaan

Meskipun prestasi enjin ini terasa seperti enjin yang berbeza, namun keselesaan pemanduan masih lagi berada di tahap biasa-biasa sahaja. Ketika memecut pada kelajuan tinggi, bunyi di dalam kabin akan menjadi bising sehingga menenggelamkan lagu di radio. Tetapi untuk pemanduan di jalan bandar, Myvi ini terasa amat
effortless
dan mudah menyusuri jalan bandar. Walau bagaimanapun,
handling
 Myvi ini masih boleh diperbaiki. Kalau nak dibandingkan dengan
handling
 Iriz, memang kalahlah Myvi ni. Tapi kalau nak banding secara keseluruhan, Myvi ini jauh lebih baik berbanding Iriz.

Ciri Keselamatan & Teknologi

Tarikan utama Myvi baharu ini ada pada ciri keselamatannya yang kini dilengkapi dengan Perodua Smart Drive Assist yang merangkumi:

Advance Safety Assist (A.S.A.) – Pre Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control, Front Departure Alert

Headlamp Assist – Auto High Beam (AHB)

Driving Assist: Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

Parking Assist – Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA),
reverse camera, front/rear corner sensor

Dengan ASA 3.0, Perodua Myvi 2022 kini mampu mengesan kenderaan, motosikal dan basikal pada kelajuan 4-120km/j bagi (kenderaan) manakala pejalan kaki pada kelajuan 0-60km/j. Jika Myvi 2022 ini mengesan halangan di hadapan pada kelajuan yang ditetapkan, bantuan brek akan diberikan untuk mengelak pelanggaran daripada berlaku. Ini membantu kereta untuk mengelakkan pelanggaran atau mengurangkan kerosakan sekiranya berlanggar. Selain itu, ASA pada Myvi juga berfungsi dengan baik pada waktu malam. Walau bagaimanapun, ASA ini hanya mampu digunakan untuk mengesan kereta yang menghidupkan lampu belakang sahaja.

Ciri
Adaptive

Cruise Control
 pada Myvi sememangnya menjadi tarikan utama pada King ini. Dengan
Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention
 dan
Lane Keep Control
, King Myvi mampu untuk kekal didalam lorong secara sendiri dengan mengesan garisan jalan menggunakan kamera.

Sekiranya kereta anda hampir terkeluar dari lorong, stereng kereta akan membawa anda ke tengah lorong semula. Namun fungsi ini tidak dapat berfungsi apabila garisan jalan tidak jelas kelihatan. Jika anda menukar lorong tanpa memberi signal, bunyi amaran akan berbunyi dan stereng akan terasa sedikit berat kerana ia mengawal dan menghalang kereta daripada terkeluar dari lorong. Sekiranya anda memberi signal, stereng akan terasa seperti biasa dan amaran tidak akan berbunyi. Ini amat membantu dalam mengurangkan kecuaian pemandu.

Kesimpulan

Kesimpulannya, Myvi 2022 ini bukanlah kereta yang sempurna dari segala aspek tetapi ia merupakan kereta yang paling mesra rakyat dengan penjimatan minyak, teknologi, praktikaliti serta ciri keselamatan yang terkini pada harga mampu milik. Ini adalah kereta pertama di Malaysia yang lengkap dengan teknologi autonomous level 2 yang ditawarkan di bawah RM60,000. Memandangkan Myvi sudah pun menjadi
kereta tempatan paling popular dan berjaya
 di Malaysia, nampaknya Perodua betul-betul telah berjaya memperkenalkan standard baharu supaya Myvi kekal menjadi kereta nombor 1 rakyat Malaysia. Penambahan ciri keselamatan dan
Adaptive Cruise Control
 pada King ini membuatkan ramai yang tertarik. Sejujurnya, saya juga tertarik!

Pendek kata, Myvi baharu ini mampu membawa anda dari point A ke point B dengan lebih penjimatan, lebih pantas berbanding sebelumnya dan lebih selamat dengan pelbagai bantuan keselamatan baharu.

Bagi anda, adakah Myvi 2022 ini sesuatu yang berbaloi untuk dibeli?


Concrete Roads For Malaysia? Cement Pegged As Solid Alternative To Asphalt And Tarmac

There are wheels in motion to call for a strong push to develop Malaysia’s roads going forward with concrete instead of the usual asphalt or tarmac due to its cost-effectiveness and medium to long-term advantages in durability.
Several voices are behind this chatter, including – as The Star writes – outgoing LaFarge Malaysia president and CEO Bradley Mulroney who expressed this exact sentiment as the industry’s wish in the upcoming Budget 2016.
He said: “We would like to see more concrete roads in Malaysia as it is competitive in usage as well as cost. Concrete roads are particularly suitable for rural and flood-prone areas as they are more durable. The promotion on this is also in line with the effort to support homegrown industries such as ours,”
Also, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed also chimed in and pointed to the enhanced durability of roads constructed with concrete over their asphalt counterparts. Reportedly, concrete surfaces currently account for less than one percent of Malaysia’s roads, mostly due to lack of awareness of it being an option.
“They also contribute to our economy as the raw materials are produced locally as opposed to bitumen for asphalt roads. A portion of the central spine road linking Gua Musang to Kuala Lipis was built using the continuous reinforced concrete pavement technology, thanks to the association. It is a cause I continue to support until today,” said Mustapa.
Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng, CEO of YTL Cement Bhd and chairman of the Cement & Concrete Association of Malaysia (C&CA), said that the association has worked closely with the government, exchanging support and assistance to overcome any economic hurdle.
“We will continue to support Malaysia’s nation building efforts and provide sufficient cement supply to meet the needs of the domestic market. “As what we have said in our mission statement in the coffee table book, C&CA is to be an authoritative and respected organisation for the advancement of the cement industry.”
According to Cement.org, the benefits of cement roads include:
A long average service life of 30 to 50 years.
Easier and lower maintenance requirements and cost. Alleviates the need for repeated resurfacing and allows for frequent spot repairs or patching.
Construction of concrete pavements does not require lengthy lane closures and can ensure smooth traffic flow. Roads can be reopened in as short as six hours.
Consumes minimal material, energy, and other resources for construction and repairs.
Safer, with it being less susceptible to for the formation of heavy vehicle ruts, lighter colours makes it easier to see at night, surface texture offers improved vehicle stopping distance.


LEAKED: TRD Bodykit For Fourth-Generation Toyota Prius Revealed

The fourth-generation
Toyota
 Prius may have made its
global debut just a few weeks ago
 and now, leaked images that show further personalisation options for the hybrid designed by the Japanese carmaker’s TRD division have made their way onto the internet.
Adding a touch of sportiness to the futuristic looks found on the all-new
Toyota Prius
 is a body kit that include a choice of two front bumper designs, with one featuring LED daytime running lights near the intakes.
Along the side, extended sills are available as well, along with a wide array of wheel designs with sizes ranging from 15- to 18-inches. Meanwhile, the rear features a new bumper with twin exhaust tips mounted in the centre, and a boot lip spoiler
The leaked images did not include any details for the interior though we should expect sportier seats, aluminium pedals, and a generous distribution of TRD badging as well.


Watch Tom Hiddleston Unleash The Jaguar XE Upon The World

Jaguar’s ‘Good to be Bad’ campaign kicked off last year with the introduction of the F-Type starring British actors Tom Hiddleston, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Mark Strong, all of which has been Hollywood’s go-to actors as villains in Hollywood films.
Now,
Jaguar
 is revisiting that tagline again with a new star at the helm, the all-new Jaguar XE. Previously, a 60 second video dubbed ‘Jaguar XE | There’s a New Boss in Town’ sees Tom Hiddleston being the head baddie giving out orders to fellow henchman, Mad Max star Nicholas Hoult, to unleash the Jaguar XE upon the world.
Jaguar is looking to enter the compact sedan market with a bang, targeting the settled German competition in the form of the
BMW

3 Series
,
Mercedes-Benz

C-Class
, and
upcoming

Audi

A4
. With a cool demeanour as the ‘bad boy’ of the bunch, will this lend a hand to assisting sales of the new XE like it did for the F-Type? Only time will tell.
The Jaguar XE slots in beneath the larger XF and features an aluminium intensive architecture. Under the hood are a range of new Ingenium diesel and petrol 2.0-litre engines, with a sole 3.0-litre V6 offering. Power is sent either through a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The car maker is also planning a
BMW M3
 rival as well if
word is to be believed
.


Geneva 2017: All-New Subaru XV Unveiled – New Platform and Direct-Injected Boxer Engine

Among the quieter, but no less prominent introductions at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, was the all-new second-generation Subaru XV, which was
first teased in January
. The first generation, launched in 2012, combined rugged looks, SUV practicality and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD technology – traits the second-gen car intends to improve on.
The new model adopts the new Subaru Global Platform architecture and measures 4465mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1615mm in height – 15mm longer and 20mm wider than the previous model, with no increase in height. The wheelbase has grown by some 30mm to 2665mm now. Ground clearance is 220mm now.
The new platform achieves a center of gravity that is 5 mm lower than the outgoing model. Together with the major improvements in rigidity (claimed torsional rigidity up by 70%) and the improvements of the suspension system offers up better driving dynamics. The increased use of high-tensile steel plates including materials formed by the hot press method also enhance impact energy absorption by 40% in the event of a collision.
The steering gear ratio has been quickened from 14:1 to 13:1, further enhancing the Subaru XV’s maneuverability. Active Torque Vectoring enhances turning and steering performance. An electronic parking brake is a new addition.
The new XV is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed (Boxer) four-cylinder engine, which now gains direct-injection. Subaru claims 80% of the components have been revamped in the new engine, making it 12kg lighter than the outgoing unit. The engine produces 156PS and 196Nm of torque.
The engine is paired to a CVT-type automatic transmission which is now 7.8 kg lighter than before and has an expanded ratio coverage from 6.28 to 7.03. The new unit also includes a 7-speed manual mode. Power is sent to all four wheels through the company’s Symmetrical AWD system, equipped with Hill Descent Control.

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 As a standard safety equipment, Subaru’s ‘EyeSight’ suite of driver assist technology now adds Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist functions. High Beam Assist technology, which uses a monocular camera, detects preceding and oncoming vehicles and automatically switches headlights between high and low beam. The list also includes dynamic cornering headlights, which follow the steering direction of the car. Also added is blind spot detection, lane change assistance and reversing assistance.
On the interior, Subaru have addressed the infotainment system with 8.0-inch touch-screen display. The seat structures have been improved to aid quality and is now wrapped in 'breathable' seat covering, a smaller diameter steering also complements the new interior.
Details of the all-new Subaru XV product specifications will be announced for other markets in stages, beginning with the Japanese market specifications on March 8. The company will also show the US Crosstrek version at the New York International Auto Show in April.


Lamborghini Reveals Its First Ever Hybrid Model, The Sián

The upcoming 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show is definitely going to be unforgettable for supercar fans as Lamborghini just unveiled the model which will be making its world debut at the event this year - the Lamborghini Sián hybrid super sports car.
All set to become the fastest Lamborghini of all time, the Sian is powered by a hybrid powertrain package which comprises a 785 hp V12 engine and also a (34 hp) 48 volt electric motor that is incorporated into the gearbox.
According to Lamborghini, the motor that is integrated into the gearbox provides immediate response and improved performance, and also supports low-speed manoeuvers such as reversing and parking with electric power.
Instead of a lithium-ion battery, the Sián actually uses a supercapacitor which can store 10 times more power. It is also three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter than a battery producing the same power.
Weighing only 34 kg, the electric motor delivers a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 1.0 kg/hp. Combined with the V12 engine, total output stands at a massive 819 hp, enabling the car to clock a top speed of more than 350 km/h. Further complementing the whole package is a highly advanced regenerative braking system, which fully charges the battery system every time the vehicle brakes.
The innovative system also delivers instant acceleration in low gears, with improved traction force provided by the combination of V12 engine and hybrid system. This makes the Sián the fastest-accelerating Lamborghini ever, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds.
In terms of design, the Sian takes a lot of inspiration from the Countach, and comes with features like the characteristic aero wings, glass elements in the engine cover, integrated carbon fiber splitters, ‘Y’-shape headlights, six hexagonal tail lights, and a ‘Periscopio’ tunnel on the roof.
Limited to just 63 units, the best part about the Sian is that each car will be individually styled by the owner to create exclusive individuality.
However, this car we’re looking at now, which has been specifically designed for the Frankfurt Motor Show features the Verde Gea green exterior colour with details in Electric Gold.
Last but not least, the interior is executed with aniline leather in ‘Terra di Sant’Agata Bolognese’, specifically developed and implementing 3D printed parts for the first time in production.


King Myvi Kecundang di Selekoh Berhantu – Angkara Longkai Atau Gelabah Nampak Polis?

Sebuah video
kemalangan
 jalan raya yang tular media sosial baru-baru ini menunjukkan sebuah
Perodua Myvi
 terbabas di Lebuh Raya Sultan Iskandar, berhampiran dengan Bangunan Parlimen. Persoalannya, apakah punca sebenar kemalangan tersebut berlaku?

Dalam video yang berdurasi 23 saat itu, sebuah Perodua Myvi telah memecut laju di lorong kanan sebelum menggunakan brek kecemasan ketika mengambil selekoh buta pada kelajuan kira-kira 100 km/j lalu melanggar pembahagi jalan di sebelah kanan jalan. Kereta tersebut hilang kawalan setelah menghentam selekoh lalu terbabas ke sebelah kiri jalan. Mujurlah Proton Waja yang berada di lorong tengah jalan tersebut peka dengan keadaan sekeliling dan sempat brek sebelum Myvi itu terbabas masuk ke lorong tengah sebelum ke bahagian kiri jalan.

Ketika kejadian direkodkan, kelihatan ada sebuah trak tunda yang sedang dalam proses menunda sebuah kenderaan di tepi jalan sambil dikelilingi orang ramai serta polis trafik. Namun ketika Myvi ini hilang kawalan dan menuju ke sebelah kiri jalan, Myvi tersebut terbabas betul-betul di belakang kereta berserta trak tunda berkenaan, menyebabkan orang ramai yang berada di kawasan tersebut bertempiaran lari. Mujur ia tidak menghentam mana-mana orang awam.

Menerusi video yang tersebar, ada beberapa sebab yang mungkin menjadi punca utama mengapa kereta terbabit terbabas. Antaranya ialah kejadian weight transfer atau pemindahan berat pada Myvi berkenaan setelah brek dilakukan ketika kereta bergerak laju. Perodua Myvi terbabit brek mengejut ketika mengambil selekoh dan ianya menyebabkan tayar keretanya tergelincir sebelum bahagian belakang kereta ‘terangkat’ setelah melanggar pembahagi jalan. Inilah akibatnya kalau menggunakan brek kecemasan apabila stereng tidak tegak.

Namun apakah punca
 Myvi
 tersebut tiba-tiba menggunakan brek kecemasan ketika membelok? Adakah ia terkejut dengan lampu biru berkelip-kelip yang berada di tepi jalan berserta kehadiran Tuan Polis? Mungkin juga Myvi terbabit mahu perlahankan kenderaan untuk melihat apa yang berlaku di bahagian kiri jalan? Maklumlah ada polis, trak tunda, Proton Saga yang remuk, Axia yang diletakkan secara bertentangan di tepi jalan serta kehadiran orang ramai di situ pula. Orang kita kan prihatin bab-bab kemalangan ni.

Namun oleh kerana selekoh tersebut selekoh buta dimana anda tidak nampak bahagian hadapan sebelum melalui selekoh, ianya masuk akal juga jika pemandu terbabit menekan brek kecemasan setelah menyedari kehadiran polis. Siapa yang tak pernah
terkejut bila nampak polis
 trafik secara tiba-tiba kan? Mesti kelam kabut nak pastikan yang anda tidak melakukan apa-apa kesalahan, contohnya memakai tali pinggang keledar.

Selain itu, selekoh ini memang berhantu dan sering menjadi kawasan kemalangan. Bagi sesiapa yang kerap menggunakan jalan ini, mereka pasti pernah terlihat kemalangan berlaku di kawasan ini. Bahkan saya sendiri pernah nampak sebuah
Proton Preve
 hilang kawalan ketika menyusuri selekoh ini. Mujur pemandu terbabit pro dan mampu mengawal keretanya semula dan mampu mengelakkan sebarang kemalangan. Ini bukan kali pertama kemalangan di kawasan ini berlaku. Ada sesetengah netizen yang merasakan bahawa jalan terbabit telah dituangkan minyak oleh longkai yang tidak bertanggungjawab sehingga menyebabkan kemalangan.

Jika anda lihat pada video, ketika kemalangan ini berlaku, kelihatan Proton
Saga
 yang remuk di bahagian kanan sedang dalam proses untuk ditunda dan sebuah lagi Perodua A
https://newcar.carlist.my/perodua/2021/axia
xia yang di letakkan secara arah bertentangan di bahagian kiri jalan. Kehadiran dua kereta tersebut bersama trak tunda, polis trafik dan orang ramai telah menguatkan lagi teori bahawa terdapat kemalangan terdahulu yang berlaku di tempat yang sama. Jadi mungkin betul ianya menjadi lubuk longkai mencari makan? Ianya tidak dapat dipastikan buat masa ini. Jika kenyataan tersebut tidak betul, dah jatuh fitnah pada geng towing pula.

Walau bagaimanapun, sekiranya anda perlu melalui jalan ini, anda dinasihatkan untuk tidak membawa laju ketika melalui selekoh ini. Memandangkan ianya sering menjadi tempat kemalangan, pastikan anda sentiasa berjaga-jaga. Pastikan kereta anda sentiasa dalam keadaan baik. Sekiranya
alignment tayar
 dah lari serta tayar anda sudah botak, baiki dan
tukarlah tayar
 yang baharu secepat mungkin. Jika tiada bajet, janganlah paksa kereta tu melebihi kemampuannya. Kena tahu had atau limit kereta anda. Jangan lenjan ikut suka sahaja.

Selain itu, contohilah Proton Waja di dalam video tersebut. Pemandu Waja itu sempat brek tepat pada masanya bagi mengelakkan dirinya terlibat dalam kemalangan. Sebab itu penting bagi setiap pemandu untuk sentiasa peka dengan keadaan sekeliling kerana kemalangan tak semestinya berpunca daripada diri sendiri. Berhati-hati di jalan raya!

*Kredit video: Kwek WaiKent (Facebook)

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Tokyo Drift Recreated In Real Life

We can't say we love the FF franchise, but we certainly enjoy the companionship that has unknowingly stay with us for the past 15 years. Out of so many of them,
Tokyo Drift
 must've been the one with the most unforgettable music
if not without usual casts
, and certainly the scene where we were first greeted with the hot and steamy parking lot. Literally, figuratively. And now, these bad boys recreated the scene, replacing Hollywood CG with good ol' Soviet era raw talent.


All-New 2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale Finally Breaks Cover As Sexy GLA Rival

For about 4 years now, Alfa Romeo has been getting by with a model line-up consisting of just two new vehicles - the Giulia and the Stelvio - but that now changes with the Tonale, a compact SUV that’s to lock horns with the
Mercedes-Benz GLA
,
BMW X1
, and
Audi Q3
.

Whether it was by choice or a particularly difficult development,
Alfa Romeo
 took their sweet time with the release of this brand-new model as the Tonale was shown off in various states of readiness since 2019.

As it arrives now, it’s the first Alfa product to be launched under their new stewards
Stellantis
, led by former Peugeot CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato at the helm of the Italian brand. Starting with the Tonale in 2022, they plan to release a new car every year until 2030.

This rollout plan involves their first fully electric model, another small SUV reportedly called the Brennero, a sporty GTV (possibly a coupe, possible electric), as well as off-shoots and major updates to the existing Giulia and Stelvio in addition to a flagship sport/performance model to sit at the head of Alfa’s new four-wheel dynasty.

Onto the Tonale, which is built upon the legacy underpinnings of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles shared with the Jeep Renegade. In fact, it’s the final new car to be released before a group-wide shift to Stellantis’ new generation of unified platforms.

Being an Alfa, they promise
exceptional driving dynamics
 with a 50:50 weight distribution and even adaptive damping as standard. They have also tuned the braking and steering to be some of the best the class have ever seen, though it remains to be seen if they succeeded.

Its exterior, while easily dismissed as a shrunken Stelvio, manages to squeeze in design cues taken from the 8C Competizione and even the 3+3 headlights meant as a salute to the SZ from 1989. Meanwhile, its distinctive alloy wheels are a modern take of the ‘telephone dial’ design that characterised 1960s Alfa Romeos such as the 33 Stradale.

As of this official model reveal, the Tonale is offered with two mild-hybrid petrol engines and a PHEV, the former delivering either 130PS or 160PS derived from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder aided by a 48V electric starter generator and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

At the top of the range, at least for now, is a plug-in hybrid that boasts 272PS and a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 6.2 seconds, achieved thanks to a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine powering the front wheels and the remaining thrust supplied by an electric motor at the rear axle. Depending on the variant, this Tonale PHEV is said to offer between 60 and 80km of electric-only range.

Inside, it receives the latest and
greatest tech Alfa Romeo
 can throw at it with much of the delayed launch caused attributable to the team fine-tuning the software and UI experience.

Upfront is a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen display with a customisable home screen, partnered with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Aside from connectivity functions such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, the Tonale also comes built-in with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, the ability to receive over-the-air updates and will have a full suite of active safety and driver aid features, including adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist.

Naturally, Europe will be the first to receive the new Alfa with a UK introduction earmarked for some time in Q3, but no firm timelines have been forthcoming on a more worldwide rollout.

Prices are equally a mystery but should be within range of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, Volvo XC40, and Audi Q3.


Flood Protection Insurance Prices Will Go Down If There Is More Demand

Flood damage insurance coverage is set to be priced fairly and its prices will not go up.

The
recent floods
 that ravaged most of the Klang Valley and Pahang have really got more motorists thinking about their vehicle's insurance coverage.

If you are worried that the disaster had led to an increase in insurance prices, especially for additional coverage which protects vehicle owners against any sort of natural disaster, don't worry, as the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) has come out and said that the premiums would remain under control.

As reported by Bernama, PIAM has stated that the demand for flood protection and other natural disasters for insurance and takaful is currently very low due to a lack of awareness. But with many more vehicle owners looking for extra coverage post-disaster, an increase in demand will actually cause its prices to fall.

More people seeking the extra coverage means their premiums will be lower due to competition between insurance companies as they have to offer more attractive packages to win over customers," said board member Zainudin Ishak in a webinar session titled "Importance of Flood Insurance/Takaful Coverage" jointly organised by the Financial Education Network, PIAM, and the Malaysian Takaful Association.

He also added that floods are nothing new, but floods occurring at unexpected places will be on the rise as a result of climate change, global warming and infrastructure developments.

"Hence, takaful or insurance coverage for floods is important, no matter where we live, be it
on high- or low-lying
 areas because there will be loss of properties and other unexpected losses after the floods.

"If we live on higher ground, the rise in water levels may not affect us, but our properties like cars and motorcycles may be impacted," he said, as reported by Bernama.

Zainudin, who is also the President and CEO of the Malaysian Reinsurance Bhd has urged the public to understand the government's constraints in providing relief due to the floods, as it involves many victims who need attention and support. "The loss of property is
not small in value
, it can reach billions of ringgit," he explained.

“Property losses from flooding are not small and can run into billions of ringgit,” he said, adding that in the 2021 floods, the cost of vehicle repairs, according to insurance industry estimates, was about RM1.3 billion, out of which, less than five percent of those affected bought flood protection coverage.

This should be good news for those who are thinking of adding on extra coverage for their properties. Yes, the monsoon season might be over, but as you can tell from the erratic weather, heavy rainfall can occur at any time - so get your vehicles protected!


Motorists Excited About Autonomous Driving, Americans Not So - Continental Study Shows

With the continuous advancement in autonomous driving technology, Continental has embarked on a study in seeking the opinions of the driving population.
The Continental Mobility Study 2018 surveyed over 4,000 respondents in Germany, the USA, Japan, and China seeking drivers’ preferences to mobility solutions such as automated and self-driving, connectivity, as well as data collection.
In this study, acceptance of automated driving has grown substantially in the last five years. In China, 89% of the drivers now consider automated driving a sensible development, an increase from 79%, and 68% in Japan.
Drivers in Germany and the USA gave a lower acceptance level, with 53% of German motorists excited about automated driving.
In the USA, the opinion is split at 50:50, which is an improvement of 9 percentage points compared to five years ago.
However, there is still a long way to go to convince American motorists on autonomous driving, as they have increased disbelief towards the
reliability of the system
, up 27 percentage points compared to five years ago (77%).
If the respondents were excited about autonomous driving, one would think drivers in these four nations will react negatively to self-driving.
Only the Chinese responded positively to the aspect of self-driving, with 69% of the respondents enjoying it compared to 48% in 2013. German and American motorists remain unchanged at 64% and 62% respectively, while motorists in Japan found less joy in driving.
A lowly 43% of the Japanese respondents enjoyed driving, a sharp drop of 14 percentage points compared to 2013. This could be explained through their increased response that driving has now become more stressful (64%) compared to what it was five years ago.
The study also found that currently there is a low inclination towards switching engine types. Around 10% of respondents in China and Japan drove electrified vehicles (hybrid or EV), and 80% of this group said they would remain loyal to electric drivetrain concepts when buying a new car.
Continental commissioned market and social research institutes to conduct the representative survey of drivers in Germany, the USA, Japan, and China.
Experts from the field of science and the automotive industry were also interviewed, making this study one of the most comprehensive on the acceptance of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving.
You can read the
 findings in detail here
.


The Toyota Hybrid You Want But Can’t Have – Toyota Sai

It’s marketed in Japan as a ‘Smart Premium Sedan,’ has super funky exterior lighting and its interior is even more luxurious than some Lexus models. It’s called the Toyota Sai, an odd name that Toyota says is the combination of two different Chinese written characters (both pronounced "sai" in Japanese) meaning talent and colouration.
Just look at the horizontal LED light pattern that runs across the width of the radiator grille and boot lid.
With a 2,700 mm long wheelbase, the Sai’s cabin is about as spacious as a Prius, but its sedan body meant that at 4,695 mm long, the Sai slightly longer than the Prius, but it is still shorter than the Camry Hybrid.
The Sai is not a newly launched model, and has been on sale in Japan since April 2013. It is a second generation model to wear the Sai nameplate.
The previous generation model was briefly sold in the US as the Lexus HS 250 but sales were poor and the model was soon discontinued overseas. After abandoning the HS 250, Toyota focused its resources on growing the Prius family (Prius, Prius c, Prius v), Camry Hybrid and other Lexus Hybrid models.
Stung by the lukewarm reception from overseas buyers for the first generation model, Toyota did not bother reconsidering its decision to withdraw the Sai/HS 250 from overseas markets when this second generation model was launched in Japan, even though this all-new model is a vastly superior product.
That's a shame because the Sai is a great looking car, and may we add, much better looking than the
all-new 2016 Toyota Prius
, whose dull interior didn’t seem like much of an upgrade from the outgoing model’s sci-fi inspired dashboard.
And despite the Sai's very premium looking exterior and interior styling, it’s actually not that expensive – with a starting price of 3.21 million Yen, it is even cheaper than the Camry Hybrid’s starting price of 3.4 million Yen in Japan.
Inside, the Sai features some really funcky LED backlit control buttons on the ‘floating two-tier’ centre console, which looks like a logical, progressive development from the outgoing third generation Toyota Prius’ signature cabin, a development which never materialised on the fourth generation Prius.
There’s also a Lexus Remote Touch Interface-like control pad and premium looking controls for the infotainment.
The Sai is powered by a 2.4-litre 2AZ-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine, the same engine that was used on the previous generation Camry Hybrid (assembled and sold in Thailand but not available in Malaysia), assisted by a NiMh battery powered 105 kW motor.
The 2.4-litre Sai delivers a combined output of 190 PS, 15 PS less than our locally-assembled. 2.5-litre Camry Hybrid.
In keeping with the Sai’s premium positioning, Toyota says the Sai features reinforced sound insulation material, sound-reducing glass, and a refined engine mount reduces unwanted noise within the cabin to an extreme low.
Toyota says the Sai’s cabin quietness surpasses that of many other higher-end large sedans.
Despite its good looks and positive impressions, the Sai will remain as a Japan-only car, coveted by fans from around the world.


Second Generation Nissan Leaf Spotted Without Camouflage

While Tesla may be stirring up the electric car market for the Model 3, perhaps it's time instead to focus on the second generation Nissan Leaf. Succeeding the surprisingly popular electric hatchback, this second generation model is poised to integrate
a lot of new technologies for a more exciting drive
.
Just last week, an uncamouflaged second generation Nissan Leaf was spotted in Spain during a commercial shoot. These pictures are from the Norwegian TV2's
Broom program
, which were taken by a reader who had been staying in a hotel near the shoot and spotted the car.
It looks a lot sharper than the current model, especially in this two-tone colour scheme. This, combined with improvements in battery technology and driver assistance systems, could become a serious contender in the electric car market. While the Tesla Model 3 may have sex appeal, the Nissan Leaf will remain as an electric car for the people.


Four Days Left to Pay Summonses At Half Price Through MyBayar Saman

You have until April 11 to get a 50% discount off your summonses!

It's been two weeks now since PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) launched the MyBayar Saman app and website, and with RM32million in fines collected since its launch, it seems all the Police needed to do was make it easier for people to pay their fines.

Pic credit, The Star

According to The Star, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Deputy Comm Datuk Azisman Alias said "291,157 summonses of about RM31.9mil were settled since the MyBayar Saman web portal and app were launched. From March 25 until March 31, 487,077 users had registered on the app and website. We also received 2,677 email complaints, which have been rectified," said Alias.

The online system, which allows traffic offenders to pay their summons virtually, was launched on March 25 this year, and to date, a total of 487,077 users had registered with MyBayar Saman, showing that it is a hit.

The Police said that allowing people to pay for their fines via the online route follows the current trend of digitalisation, which enables people to conveniently access a portal and settle their summonses from the comfort of home.

We suppose the other reason why MyBayar Saman is an instant hit is that the Police are giving a 50% discount on summonses paid via the system up until April 11.

For those who would like to take this opportunity to pay half price for their summonses, all you need to do is log on to their portal or download their app, and fill in your details so that they can get you on record. You can then check your details and summonses and proceed to pay.

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

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VIDEO: Lorry Ploughs Through Nearly 20 Cars Along Jalan Jelatek

On the evening of June 9, a lorry driver travelling along Jalan Jelatek in Kuala Lumpur lost control of his heavy vehicle due to an apparent brake failure, causing it to crash into approximately 20 cars before coming to a stop.
The trail of carnage left by the lorry included sedans, vans, SUVs, and compact cars. Thankfully however, nobody was reported to have suffered any serious injury.
There were a flood of pictures coming through social media on the incident which, presumably, caused a huge back crawl along the Kuala Lumpur road during rush hour – myMetro reports that it occurred at 5.45pm.
If the driver had not managed to turn off the lorry's engine once he realized the braked had failed, the truck could have done far more damage. Of course, all the facts are not yet in. It’s also a reminder that we
always
have to keep our cars in check as brake issues can happen to anyone.
It’s a shame that, in this case, a lorry had to shovel 20-some odd cars out of its way to come to a stop. More pictures below:
Images from Facebook


New 2020 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire Now Open for Booking – From RM383k

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) announced that the Alphard and Vellfire premium MPV models have been upgraded for 2020, and that bookings are now being accepted at all authorized Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide.

While the new Vellfire will be offered in one variant (Vellfire 2.5L) with an asking price of RM383,000, the Alphard will be available in two variants (Alphard 3.5L and Alphard 3.5L Executive Lounge), with price starting from RM465,000.

Customers can choose from four exterior colours for the Vellfire and Alphard which are CBU (completely built-up) imported vehicles from Japan.

The colour options are Luxury White Pearl CS GF (only for Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge and Alphard 3.5L); Burning Black CS GF (only for Vellfire 2.5L); and White Pearl C, Graphite Metallic and Black (available for both Alphard and Vellfire).

The big news is that the latest Alphard and Vellfire have been upgraded with advanced systems being added in two areas – Safety and Connectivity.

This is in line with UMWT’s 360-T New Brand Experience Strategy that emphasizes Safe-T and Connectivi-T.

The new or enhanced systems are:

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)

Parking Support Brake System

9-inch AVX Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-Ready Connectivity

Front & Rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

Vehicle Telematics System (VTS)

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is a suite of advanced systems that provide driver assistance to avoid accidents or reduce their severity if they occur. These include Pre-collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) – All Speed.

With Parking Support Brake System added in the 2020 models, drivers have the support of an intelligent parking system to detect objects in the surrounding areas of the vehicle during the parking process.

Should any objects be detected, the brakes will be automatically applied and the engine power cut back so that collisions can be avoided. Even if a collision does occur, the early action of the system can reduce damage.

Besides the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that enables the driver to view all round the vehicle, the front and rear DVRs constantly record the views ahead and behind. In the event of an incident and dispute, the recordings would be useful evidence for the vehicle owner.

The Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) for the Vellfire and Alphard is a connectivity feature that uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times.

This can aid recovery by the police if the vehicle is stolen. VTS can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions that the vehicle has been subjected to, with data sent by email to a designated user.

As with all other models imported by UMWT, owners of the Vellfire and Alphard will enjoy a full factory warranty for peace of mind and availability of replacement parts when required. Aftersales support is also assured with personnel trained to service the models using the necessary special tools and equipment.


Tayar Terbaik Untuk Perodua Myvi 2022

Ada banyak tayar kereta yang ditawarkan di dalam pasaran ketka ini, namun yang mana satu yang sesuai untuk digunakan oleh
Perodua Myvi 2022
 AKA kereta
paling popular di Malaysia?

Mengikut statistik, Perodua Myvi memegang takhta kereta paling laris di Malaysia selama 8 tahun berturut-turut sejak 2006. Di Malaysia, jumlah keseluruhan kenderaan di jalan raya berada dalam lingkungan 11,000,000 unit kenderaan. Dalam jumlah tersebut, lebih 1 juta unit merupakan Perodua Myvi. Maksudnya, dalam setiap 10 bilangan kereta di atas jalan, ada satu Perodua Myvi.

Kali ini, kami akan meneroka beberapa jenama tayar yang sesuai untuk digunakan pada Perodua Myvi 2022. Sebelum pergi lebih lanjut berkenaan
tayar
, perlu untuk anda tahu juga bahawa Perodua Myvi 2022 hadir bersama pilihan tayar berbeza mengikut enjin yang dipilih.

Tayar Asal Perodua Myvi 2022

Varian Perodua Myvi 2022

Saiz Tayar

Jenama Tayar Dari Kilang

1.5 AV

185/55R15

Goodyear Assurance TripleMax

1.5 H

185/55R15

Goodyear Assurance TripleMax

1.5 X

185/55R15

Goodyear Assurance TripleMax

1.3 G

175/65R14

Bridgestone Ecopia 150

1.5 G (tanpa PSDA)

175/65R14

Bridgestone Ecopia 150

Kalau nak diikutkan, tayar yang diberikan ini adalah tayar lama memandangkan generasi baharu bagi barisan tayar tersebut sudahpun dilancarkan. Ini menandakan bahawa kini sudah ada banyak pilihan tayar yang boleh dibuat oleh pemilik Myvi.

Dalam memilih tayar kereta, ada beberapa elemen yang perlu diambil berat seperti:

Harga

Prestasi brek ketika basah

Jarak perbatuan yang ditawarkan

Kadar bunyi bising

Penggunaan bahan api

Berdasarkan faktor-faktor di atas, berikut merupakan antara tayar terbaik yang boleh digunakan pada Perodua Myvi 2022 selain daripada tayar dari kilang.

Tayar Sesuai Untuk Perodua Myvi 2022

Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2

Tread Wear: 320

Kelebihan:

Harga berpatutan

Wet Braking

Kelemahan:

Jarak perbatuan rendah

Harga:

185/55R15: RM 204

Michelin XM2+

Tread Wear: 420

Kelebihan:

Prestasi brek ketika basah

Jarak perbatuan tinggi

Prestasi sepanjang hayat

Kelemahan

Harga

Harga

175/65R14: RM220

185/55R15: RM280

Continental Comfort 6 CC6

Tread Wear: 380

Kelebihan:

Kurang bunyi bising

Jarak perbatuan tinggi

Kelemahan:

Prestasi brek ketika basah

Harga:

175/65R14: RM160

185/55R15: RM210

Bridgestone Ecopia EP300

Tread Wear: 320

Kelebihan:

Menjimatkan penggunaan bahan api

Kelemahan:

Prestasi brek ketika basah

Jarak perbatuan rendah

Harga:

175/65R14: RM210

Falken ZIEX ZE310R Ecorun

Tread Wear: 320

Kelebihan:

Kurang bunyi bising

Sesuai untuk penggunaan jalan basah dan kering

Tayar berprestasi tinggi

Kelemahan:

Harga sedikit mahal

Harga:

RM380

Jika anda mahu menukar tayar Myvi anda kelak, pastikan anda tahu apa yang anda perlukan dan cuba padankan keperluan anda dengan tayar yang sesuai sebelum membeli. Jika masih tak tahu nak beli tayar apa, rujuk senarai di atas dah buatlah pilihan dengan bijak!


2016 VW Vento Launched In Malaysia – From RM79,888

Formerly known as the Volkswagen Polo Sedan, the Vento, now with the addition of a turbocharged variant, represents a much needed boost to the aging Polo Sedan.
Prices start from RM79,888. There are three variants – Comfortline, Trendline, and Highline. Only the Highline model gets a turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI engine paired to a 7-speed dual clutch DSG automatic transmission, while the remaining two variants will continue to use the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated MPI engine and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission from the previous Polo Sedan.
Vento Highline: RM93,888
Vento Comfortline: RM86,888
Vento Trendline: RM79,888
All prices quoted are on the road without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia.
Specifications (Highline/Trendline and Comfortline):
Engine: 1.2-litre TSI turbo/1.6-litre MPI naturally aspirated
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automatic/6-speed torque converter automatic
Power: 105 PS at 5,000 rpm/105 PS at 5,250 rpm
Torque: 175 Nm from 1,500-4,100 rpm/153 Nm at 3,800 rpm
Safety (Highline): ESC, ABS with BA, ICRS, four airbags, ISOFIX
Safety: (Comfortline): ABS with BA, ICRS, four airbags, ISOFIX
Safety: (Trendline): ABS with BA, ICRS, two airbags, ISOFIX
Claimed fuel consumption: 5.5-litres/100 km (Highline), 6.5-litres/100 km (Comfortline and Trendline)
Overview:
The Volkswagen Vento is a B-segment sedan that competes against the
Honda City
,
Toyota Vios
, and
Nissan Almera
.
As before with the Polo Sedan, the Vento is locally-assembled at DRB-Hicom’s plant in Pekan, Pahang.
As mentioned before, it was formerly known as the Polo Sedan, but this refreshed and renamed facelift model now spots a few important updates.
The most noticeable difference are the very Passat-like front grille and its new front bumper that now sports a chrome strip across, and a more rectangular front fog lamp housing that’s very similar to the ones fitted on the Polo hatchback.
Behind, the tail lamps are now LEDs, while the interior also features several upgrades. The new three-spoke steering wheel now looks more refined, and is the same unit that’s fitted on the hatchback Polo Trophy.
Metallic-like trims now adorn the centre stack, lifting the mood slightly in Volkswagen’s typically sombre cabin.
The highest specifications Highline model, which comes with electronic stability control (ESC), has a five-star rating by ASEAN NCAP. The two remaining models lacks ESC but have an equally strong passive safety systems. However, ESC is a compulsory feature for ASEAN NCAP to award the fifth star, so the Trendline and Comfortline models will have to settle with four stars.
All variants come standard with ICRS (Integrated Crash Response System), a critically important safety feature which in the unfortunate event of a serious collision, ICRS will automatically unlock all doors, disable the fuel pump (to prevent fire) and activate the emergency hazard lights.
Boot size is rated 454-litres.
Key differences between the three variants of the Vento are as follows:
Vento Trendline
1.6-litre naturally aspirated MPI engine with 6-speed automatic
15-inch alloy wheels
‘Clouds’ fabric seat upholstery
Halogen headlamps
Remote opening trunk lid
Radio 220G infotainment system with 4 speakers, USB, SD card, AUX-in
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Rear fog lamps
60/40 split folding rear seats
Additional features for Vento Comfortline
Climatronic automatic air-conditioning system
Cruise control
Driver’s armrest
Side airbags
Front fog lamps
Interior chrome package (chrome trimmings on dashboard, infotainment and controls)
Leather trimmed gear knob and steering wheel
Radio 320G infotainment system with 4 speakers, USB, SD card, AUX-in
Rear air-conditioning vent
Additional features for Vento Highline
1.2-litre TSI engine with 7-speed DSG
Electronic stability control
Hill hold control
‘Cable’ fabric sear upholstery
16-inch wheels
As with all Volkswagens sold in Malaysia, all variants of the Vento is covered by a 5-year warranty. For a limited time period only, there will be an early bird discount of RM2,000 across all variants of the Vento.


Beijing 2016: BMW X1 Gets Long Wheelbase Exclusively for China

BMW
’s smallest SUV, the
BMW X1
, grows bigger just for the Chinese market with the introduction of the long-wheelbase version at the ongoing 2016 Beijing Auto Show. The extra X-ness comes mainly in the form of an elongation of the rear seating quarters. From the standard
F48 X1
, the Chinese-special X1 L gets an extra 12cm of metal between its wheels.
Depending on the position in which the rear seat bench is set, users enjoy up to 13cm of horizontal adjustability as standard. Mainland Chinese buyers jumping over from the previous-generation E84 X1 will find themselves blessed with between 5 and 18cm of additional rear-legroom.
Boot capacity has also grown from the regular model's 505 to 675 litres, depending on the position of the rear seat bench. Left in the standard seating position, boot capacity is identical to the standard model; fold the 40:20:40 split seatbacks down, up to 1,650 litres of storage space is at the owner's disposal.
Elsewhere, within the cabin the familiar BMW trademarks such as a driver focussed cabin architecture is augmented by soft touch leathers and accent strips in the instrument panel that run along the door panels lending to a uniform interior ambience.
The long-wheelbase X1 comes with a choice of three turbocharged petrol engines:
sDrive18Li
: 1.5-litre 3-cylinder, 136hp
sDrive20Li
 and
xDrive20Li
: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 192hp
xDrive25Li
: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 231bhp.
On the outside, the increased wheelbase lends itself to a bolder overall look for the X1. This is accentuated by larger double-kidney air inlet grille, a three-section lower air intake and the signature BMW greeting formed by the twin circular headlights and fog lamps at the lower regions of the front end.
Underbody protection elements in the front and rear also interact with the square contours of the wheel cut-outs to accentuate the X1’s SUV lineage. The body’s character lines now feature alongside the longer roofline, which climaxes at the flanks with the black Air Blades positioned on the rear windows. The rear of the X1 is highlighted by the striking L-Shaped rear lights
Two trim lines are on offer at the outset, churned out by BMW Brilliance’s Tiexi plant in Shenyang.
There is
xLine
 which features:
Roof rails and side window surrounds in ‘satinated’ Aluminium.
Satin Silver side skirts.
18-inch bi-colour Y-spoke design light-alloy wheels.
Underbody protection at the front and rear in matt Satin Silver.
Interior trim: sports seats upholstered in perforated leather and with decorative stitching
ontour lighting.
Accent strips for the instrument panel in Pearl Gloss Chrome.
Genuine matt-finished oak trim.
Alternatively,
Sports Line
trim features:
The BMW double-kidney air inlet grille bars, air intakes, side window surrounds and the exterior mirror caps are finished in high-gloss black.
Underbody protection at the front and rear and its side skirts are painted in the body colour.
18-inch bi-colour light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design.
Sports seats hemmed in perforated leather and with decorative Sports Line stitching at the sides and centre armrest.
Interior finished in black leather with red contrast stitching and interior trim strips in high-gloss Black with Coral Red.
In the sDrive20Li and sDrive18Li variants, power is channelled to the front wheels, whereas the xDrive20Li and xDrive25Li variants utilise BMW’s xDrive smart all-wheel drive system to actively distribute power between the four wheels depending on the driving requirements. The system works alongside BMW’s stability control system to dial-out under- and over-steer by portioning torque to the corner with the most grip. The xDrive package also includes Hill Descent Control.
In addition to the usual array of active safety features expected of a present day BMW, the X1 L also comes with an enhanced stability control system that comes replete with an Active Differential Brake (ADB) and Performance Control functions claimed to further enhance the dynamic cornering characteristics of the BMW X1 by distributing engine power and braking force in the most efficient manner. All model variants ride on run-flat tyres as standard.
The exhaustive list of drivers assistance systems fitted to the X1 L include:
The Navigation system beams route guidance via arrows and high-quality multi-view map  images on the 6.5-inch Control Display.
The Navigation Plus suite adds to that with an 8.8-inch Control Display, an instrument cluster with extended features, a split-screen function for the Control Display, an iDrive Touch Controller button and the BMW Head-Up Display.
The BMW Head-Up Display projects information – including the current speed, Check Control messages and readouts from the Speed Limit Info system
Other Driving Assistant functions include Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, as well as Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function.
Being a Chinese-market special, the new long-wheelbase BMW X1 will not be reaching Malaysian shores anytime soon. However, interested punters for BMW's junior SUV in our shores might be interested to know the imminent arrival of
locally-assembled variants
 which do promise the possibility of either better specs, better pricing, or both.